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Spontaneous spleen rupture during typhoid fever

J Julià1, J J Canet, X M Lacasa

  • 1Department of Medicine and Pathology, Hospital Mútua de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|March 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Typhoid fever, rare in the West, often presents with intestinal issues. This report details a rare complication: spontaneous spleen rupture during typhoid fever, supported by a literature review.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Typhoid fever is uncommon in Western countries, with most cases imported from endemic regions.
  • Common complications include intestinal bleeding, perforation, and necrotizing cholecystitis.
  • Other potential complications involve hepatitis, myocarditis, nephritis, and meningitis.

Observation:

  • Spontaneous spleen rupture is a recognized, albeit infrequent, complication of typhoid fever.
  • This report presents a novel case of spontaneous spleen rupture in a typhoid fever patient.
  • The case is contextualized with a comprehensive review of existing literature on this rare complication.

Findings:

  • The study highlights spontaneous spleen rupture as a rare but significant complication of typhoid fever.
  • Analysis of the presented case and literature review underscores the diagnostic and management challenges.
  • Early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial for managing this severe complication.

Implications:

  • This case and review contribute to understanding the spectrum of typhoid fever complications.
  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for splenic rupture in typhoid fever patients presenting with abdominal symptoms.
  • Further research may elucidate specific risk factors and optimal treatment strategies for splenic complications in typhoid fever.

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