Spontaneous splenic rupture in infectious mononucleosis: conservative management with gradual percutaneous drainage of a subcapsular hematoma

Pediatr Surg Int. 1999;15(2):139-40. doi: 10.1007/s003830050537.

Abstract

Spontaneous splenic rupture (SSR) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of infectious mononucleosis (IM). Because the inflamed spleen is usually enlarged, congested, and friable, emergency splenectomy is recommended. We describe the conservative management of a SSR in a 16-year-old boy with IM. A pigtail catheter was inserted under ultrasonographic guidance and left in place for 36 h. This allowed the successful evacuation of the hematoma without compromising the splenic parenchyma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Drainage
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Hematoma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / complications*
  • Male
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / complications
  • Splenic Diseases / complications*
  • Splenic Diseases / virology