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 language | English |
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Article number | 100042 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Clinical Infection in Practice |
Volume | 10 |
Early online date | 25 Sept 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2020
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Infectious Diseases