Spontaneous rupture of spleen due to plasmodium vivax malaria

Abstract EN

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a rare complication of Plasmodium vivax malaria which may be under diagnosed.

Recently we encountered such a case in an expatriate a few days after arriving from his country.

The presentation was of fever, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Computed tomographic scan and ultrasound were not helpful in making an initial diagnosis but the development of hypotension and a significant drop in hemoglobin later pointed to the diagnosis.

The rupture was sufficiently severe to necessitate splenectomy.

The case is described, treatment options are discussed and pertinent literature is Reviewed.