[Spontaneous rupture of the spleen in chronic pancreatitis]

The appearing of splenic complications in the evolution of acute or chronic pancreatitis is a known fact, even though it is not that frequent. A case of splenic rupture happens during an acute bout of chronic pancreatitis. The possible pathogenic mechanisms implied are analysed as well as the forms of presentation and the approximation to diagnosis. The great difficulty in the diagnosis is determined by the scarce specificity of the clinical and biochemical manifestations. Therefore, it is called the attention upon the eventuality of this complication and the therapeutic attitudes which should be adopted.