Summary about Disease
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency that occurs when the spleen's surface breaks open, leading to internal bleeding. The spleen is an organ in the upper left abdomen that filters blood, stores blood cells, and helps fight infection. A ruptured spleen can be life-threatening due to significant blood loss.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper left quadrant
Tenderness to the touch in the upper left abdomen
Left shoulder pain (Kehr's sign)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Confusion
Blurred vision
Rapid heart rate
Low blood pressure
Nausea
Causes
Injury to the abdomen (e.g., car accident, sports injury, fall) - most common cause
Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) due to infections (e.g., mononucleosis/mono), blood diseases, or other conditions (making it more susceptible to rupture)
Medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy (rare)
Medicine Used
There is no medicine to "fix" a ruptured spleen. Treatment focuses on stopping the bleeding and stabilizing the patient. Medicines may be used to:
Manage Pain: Pain relievers such as opioids or NSAIDs may be given to alleviate discomfort.
Prevent Infection: Antibiotics might be administered if there is concern about infection, particularly after surgery.
Blood transfusions: Given to replace lost blood and stabilize the patient.
Vaccinations: Following splenectomy (spleen removal), vaccinations against encapsulated bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, *Neisseria meningitidis*, *Haemophilus influenzae* type b) are crucial.
Is Communicable
No, a ruptured spleen is not communicable. It is caused by trauma or underlying medical conditions, not by an infectious agent.
Precautions
Preventing a ruptured spleen primarily involves avoiding abdominal injuries:
Wear seatbelts in vehicles.
Use appropriate protective gear during sports activities.
Avoid contact sports if the spleen is enlarged.
Seek immediate medical attention for any abdominal trauma.
If diagnosed with splenomegaly, follow your doctor's recommendations regarding activity restrictions.
How long does an outbreak last?
A ruptured spleen is not an outbreak-related condition. It is an acute injury, not an infectious disease. The "outbreak" is limited to the event that causes the rupture.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: Assessing abdominal tenderness and other symptoms.
Imaging Tests:
CT scan of the abdomen: The primary diagnostic tool to visualize the spleen and identify rupture or internal bleeding.
Abdominal Ultrasound: Can sometimes be used, particularly in emergency settings.
Blood Tests: To assess blood count, check for signs of blood loss, and determine blood type for potential transfusions.
Timeline of Symptoms
Symptoms of a ruptured spleen typically appear immediately or shortly after the injury.
Immediate: Abdominal pain, tenderness, and dizziness.
Within Minutes to Hours: Progression of symptoms such as increasing pain, lightheadedness, confusion, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. Kehr's sign (left shoulder pain) may develop.
Delayed Rupture: In some cases, particularly with minor trauma, the rupture can be delayed by days or even weeks. In these cases, pain may gradually worsen over time.
Important Considerations
A ruptured spleen is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Treatment options include non-operative management (close monitoring with possible blood transfusions) or surgery (splenectomy - spleen removal or splenorrhaphy - spleen repair).
Following splenectomy, individuals are at increased risk of infection, particularly from encapsulated bacteria. Vaccinations and prophylactic antibiotics are often recommended.
Even with non-operative management, careful monitoring for signs of continued bleeding or complications is crucial.
Athletes with enlarged spleens should be cleared by a physician before participating in sports to minimize the risk of rupture.