Littoral cell angioma with splenic rupture in pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract Splenic rupture in pregnancy is a rare event. It is generally due to trauma or an underlying splenic pathology. Timely diagnosis and intervention of splenic rupture is essential given the high rates of associated maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This case illustrates a 38 year old lady in the third trimester of pregnancy who presented with maternal collapse and a non-reassuring foetal heart rate tracing following a fall at home one week previously. A massive hemoperitoneum was identified at caesarean section and a splenectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed a littoral cell angioma of the spleen. This vascular tumour arising in the splenic red pulp sinuses is a rare entity and specific immunophenotypic features help distinguish it from other vascular tumours of the spleen. Both trauma and an underlying splenic pathology led to splenic rupture in this unique case.