Spontaneous rupture of splenic hamartoma

Hamartoma of the spleen is a rare benign tumor. Only one spontaneously ruptured splenic hamartoma has been reported that presented with an acute surgical abdomen. A second case of a ruptured hamartoma of the spleen is illustrated; however, this case is unique in that it presented as a nonsurgical abdomen. This case stresses the importance of serial physical examinations of the patient and appropriate diagnostic studies in correctly determining the diagnosis when preliminary findings are inconclusive. Surgeons should include splenic hamartomas in the differential diagnoses of splenic defects seen on radiologic studies or splenic masses palpated during abdominal exploration.