Spontaneous Splenic Rupture Complicating Severe P. falciparum Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen in malarial infection or malarial splenic rupture (MSR) is a rare but life-threatening condition complicating severe malarial infection in tropics and subtropics, and hence it deserves special attention. A high index of clinical suspicion is warranted for the early diagnosis as delayed or missed diagnosis can be potentially fatal. We report on a 32-year-old male who was diagnosed with severe Plasmodium falciparum infection and presented with an acute abdomen due to spontaneous splenic rupture. He was managed conservatively and had a successful outcome. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of MSR were briefly discussed in this report.