Spleen, ruptured

Rupture of the capsule of the spleen is a potential catastrophe that requires immediate medical and surgical attention.

Splenic rupture permits large amounts of blood to leak into the abdominal cavity, which is severely painful and life- threatening.

Shock, and ultimately death, can result.

Patients typically require immediate surgery.

Rupture of a normal spleen can be caused by trauma, such as an accident.

If an individuals spleen is enlarged, as is frequent in mononucleosis, most physicians will not allow major contact sports or other activities where injury to the abdomen could be catastrophic