Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
03:49
Application of Microwave Ablation in Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy
Published on: November 15, 2024
[Lethal atraumatic splenic rupture due to infectious mononucleosis]
Matthias Pfäffli1, Daniel Wyler
1Institut für Pathologie und Rechtsmedizin des Kantonsspitals Graubünden, Chur.
Archiv Fur Kriminologie
|July 21, 2010
Summary
A 20-year-old man died unexpectedly from infectious mononucleosis, which caused a ruptured spleen. This case highlights the importance of diagnosing infectious mononucleosis and performing post-mortem serological tests in forensic investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Context:
- Sudden, unexpected death in a young adult.
- Enlarged spleen secondary to infectious mononucleosis.
- Forensic autopsy and serological testing.
Purpose:
- To report a rare case of atraumatic splenic rupture.
- To emphasize the forensic significance of infectious mononucleosis.
- To highlight the utility of post-mortem serological tests.
Summary:
- A 20-year-old male presented with atraumatic splenic rupture due to infectious mononucleosis.
- The spleen was significantly enlarged, leading to fatal hemorrhage.
- Post-mortem serological tests confirmed infectious mononucleosis.
Impact:
- Underscores the potential lethality of infectious mononucleosis.
- Reinforces the need for considering infectious mononucleosis in cases of atraumatic splenic rupture.
- Demonstrates the value of serological testing in forensic pathology.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukocyte disorders can lead to either leukopenia, characterized by an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, marked by a very high leukocyte number.
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...