Spontaneous atraumatic splenic rupture secondary to infectious mononucleosis

Abstract

Presentation
A healthy 23-year-old man developed sore throat and fever with positive EBV Infectious Mononucleosis test, followed by abdominal pain, vomiting, and haemodynamic collapse, without trauma.

Diagnosis
Bedside ultrasound suggested intraperitoneal free fluid. Urgent contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated large haemoperitoneum, perisplenic and subcapsular haematoma, and active splenic contrast extravasation.

Treatment
Emergency laparotomy revealed massive haemoperitoneum, and confirmed splenic bleeding; splenectomy was performed. Recovery was uncomplicated, with post-splenectomy antibiotics and vaccinations. He was well at three-month follow-up.

Discussion
EBV-associated atraumatic splenic rupture is rare yet life-threatening. CT imaging confirms injury and bleeding. Management depends on physiology; unstable patients require prompt surgical management, whereas stable cases may merit spleen-preserving strategies and close monitoring.