Atraumatic splenic rupture due to covid-19 infection

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.
• Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare but serious condition.
• Emerging evidence suggests COVID-19 can directly impact splenic tissue.

Observation:

• A 57-year-old male with confirmed COVID-19 presented with atraumatic splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum.
• The patient required intensive care, including ventilatory and circulatory support, and splenic artery embolization.

Findings:

• Emerging evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 may directly impact the spleen, causing lymphoid follicle damage, atrophy, and microvascular thrombosis.
• This case represents the first reported instance of atraumatic splenic rupture directly attributed to COVID-19 infection.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for severe, unexpected complications of COVID-19 beyond respiratory symptoms.
• Clinicians should consider splenic injury in COVID-19 patients presenting with abdominal symptoms or hemodynamic instability.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced splenic injury.