Splenic embolization for splenic laceration in a patient with mononucleosis

Splenomegaly is a sequela of infectious mononucleosis. The potential for traumatic rupture of an enlarged spleen is well recognized. Recently, splenic artery embolization has gained popularity for the treatment of splenic injury. However, embolization has not been described for splenic injury in an enlarged spleen secondary to mononucleosis. We report the case of a 15-year-old girl who was the restrained passenger in a motor vehicle crash. On examination at an American College of Surgeons-verified Level 1 trauma center, the patient was found to have abdominal pain. A focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination revealed fluid in Morison's pouch. A subsequent spiral CT scan with intravenous contrast revealed a markedly enlarged spleen with a shattered upper pole. The patient denied symptoms of mononucleosis; however, a spot mononucleosis test was positive. The patient was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for observation. She remained hemodynamically stable, but her initial hemoglobin of 9.2 g/dL fell to 7.1 g/dL 6 hours later. Splenic artery embolization was performed and the upper pole of the spleen was selectively embolized. The hemoglobin remained stable and the patient was transferred to the pediatric ward. On postembolization day five, the patient was dismissed with a hemoglobin of 9.7 g/dL. This case demonstrates that splenic embolization is a viable alternative to operative treatment even in the presence of splenomegaly secondary to mononucleosis.