Spontaneous rupture of the spleen in third trimester of pregnancy. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A case of idiopathic spontaneous rupture of the spleen in the third trimester of pregnancy is presented. The cause remains an enigma; the diagnosis is difficult, but echography may prove to be helpful. The treatment requires early exploration to enhance fetal as well as maternal survival. In this case mother and child did not survive. The etiology and clinical picture are discussed. The literature relating to rupture of the spleen is reviewed, including one particular case of a rupture in the third trimester of pregnancy.