Spontaneous rupture of the spleen – a rare and potentially fatal surgical emergency in the second trimester: Report of a case

Abstract

Spontaneous (non-traumatic) rupture of the normal spleen in pregnancy is a rare clinical event that can endanger the lives of both mother and baby. The aetiology of the condition is unknown, but it occurs most commonly in multiple pregnancies and in the third trimester. We present a case of a spontaneous splenic rupture of a normal spleen at 14 weeks’ gestation. Following prompt and aggressive surgical intervention, both mother and baby survived.