[Spontaneous splenic rupture secondary to infectious mononucleosis]

Splenic rupture is a rare but potentially fatal complication of infectious mononucleosis. We report the case of an 18-year-old woman, who presented a 7-day history of abdominal pain, sudden temporary loss of consciousness and fever. Admission blood tests showed anemia, and lymphocytosis. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated extensive hemoperitoneum and numerous cervical, mesenteric and inguinal enlarged lymph nodes. Laparoscopy was performed and abundant hemoperitoneum with blood clots along the left parietocolic gutter were observed. The spleen was completely decapsulated and surrounded by a hematoma and the subcapsular tissue was bleeding. Total splenectomy was performed without complications. Splenic histology demonstrated white pulp attenuation and expansion of the red pulp with focal hemorrhage and necrosis. IgM anti-viral capsid antigen of Epstein Barr virus was positive. The patient had a satisfactory recovery.