Symptoms

Signs and symptoms indicative of a ruptured spleen include:

• Pain in the upper left abdomen

• Tenderness upon touching the upper left abdomen

• Pain in the left shoulder, particularly if accompanied by cuts and bruises on the left chest or side

• Confusion, lightheadedness, or dizziness

Causes

A spleen may rupture due to:

• Injury to the left side of the body: For example, from direct trauma.

• An enlarged spleen: The spleen can become enlarged when blood cells accumulate within it. An enlarged spleen can be a consequence of various underlying issues, including mononucleosis and other infections, liver disease, and blood cancers.

DIAGNOSIS

Tests and procedures employed to diagnose a ruptured spleen include:

• Physical exam: The doctor will use their hands to apply pressure to the abdomen to assess the size of the spleen and determine if the patient is experiencing any abdominal tenderness.

• Blood tests: Blood tests will be ordered to evaluate factors such as platelet count and the blood’s clotting ability.

• Checking for blood in the abdominal cavity: The doctor may utilize an ultrasound test for this purpose, or they might use a needle to draw a fluid sample from the abdomen. If the sample reveals blood in the abdomen, the patient may be referred for emergency treatment.

• Imaging tests of your abdomen: If the diagnosis remains unclear, the doctor may recommend an abdominal CT scan or another imaging test to identify or rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.

TREATMENT

Many small and even moderate-sized spleen injuries can heal without the need for surgery.

• Blood transfusion may be necessary.

• Antibiotics are typically administered.

• Analgesics (painkillers) can also be given.

Surgery to repair or remove the spleen