Spontaneous splenic rupture in a Nigerian child: a case report

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare clinical condition that is potentially life-threatening in the absence of prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention. It is an extremely rare condition in children with limited documented cases.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 4-year-old boy with no underlying splenic disease that presented with clinical features of generalized peritonitis and had laparotomy with intra-operative diagnosis of splenic rupture. He underwent splenectomy and had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion: This case highlights the need to consider spontaneous splenic rupture as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with generalized peritonitis for better planning and management.