Atraumatic splenic rupture due to covid-19 infection

Irfan Shaukat, Raisa Khan, Lavanya Diwakar*, Timothy Kemp, Neena Bodasing

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Background: Covid-19 is a novel disease caused by the severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). We discuss a gentleman who presented with an atraumatic rupture of the spleen secondary to this infection.

Brief summary of presentation: A 57-year-old service engineer was brought into the emergency department after having collapsed at home. RT-PCR was positive for covid-19 infection. CT scan showed evidence of haemoperitoneum and splenic rupture. He underwent splenic artery embolisation and required ventilatory and circulatory support on ITU. He made a full recovery and was discharged home 3 weeks later.

Discussion and relevance: Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare, potentially fatal condition which has been described as a complication of haematological and non-haematological malignancies, inflammatory disorders and infections. There is emerging evidence to suggest that covid-19 has a direct destructive impact on the spleen, causing lymphoid follicle attrition and nodular atrophy in addition to microvascular thrombosis and necrosis. This is the first report of atraumatic splenic rupture secondary to covid-19 infection, to our knowledge.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100042
Number of pages3
JournalClinical Infection in Practice
Volume10
Early online date25 Sept 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases

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