Van Landingham S B, Rawls D E, Roberts J W
Arch Surg. 1984 Feb;119(2):224-5. doi: 10.1001/archsurg.1984.01390140080014.
Spontaneous rupture of the spleen refers to rupture of a normal spleen in the absence of trauma. Atraumatic rupture of a diseased spleen is termed pathological rupture and has been described in a variety of pathological conditions. This report describes a case of pathological splenic rupture associated with hepatitis A confirmed by positive IgM antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the sole verified example of this previously unrecognized life-threatening complication of hepatitis.
