Definition:
Ruptured spleen causes a life-threatening bleeding.
Diagnosis:
In a critical situation, a physical exam may be the only diagnostic test before emergency surgery. In other cases, a sample of fluid from your abdomen may be tested for the presence of blood. If time allows, the doctor may use X-rays or other imaging tests to identify or rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
Treatment:
The spleen may be surgically repaired if the rupture is small. However, in an emergency situation, the entire spleen is removed. The removal of the entire spleen is known as a splenectomy.
Symptoms and Signs:
The patient feels an abdominal pain and tenderness, blurred vision and fainting, or lightheaded or confused due to a drop in blood pressure.
Causes:
The condition may be due to a blow to the left upper abdomen or the left lower chest. The rupture may also be the result of an enlarged spleen.
