Spontaneous rupture of a malarial spleen - A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Malaria has long been among the most common diseases in Southeast Asia. Spontaneous rupture of a malarial spleen is rare. Involvement of the spleen in malaria that results in splenomegaly renders this organ prone to complications such as rupture. In areas where malaria is endemic, spontaneous rupture of spleen is uncommon. Ruptures of malarial spleens do heal and attempts at splenic lavage/conservative approach should be the aim in their management. Splenectomy should be reserved for those patients with severe rupture or those with continued or recurrent bleeding. We report a case of falciparum malaria that presented with hemoperitoneum due to spontaneous splenic rupture. This patient had a laparotomy and splenectomy and made an uneventful recovery.