Spontaneous Splenic Vein Rupture with Massive Hemoperitoneum during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

We describe a case of spontaneous rupture of the splenic vein in a pregnant patient at 33 weeks gestation. For the first time in literature, we report follow-up investigations aimed at understanding the cause of the event. The woman was admitted to the emergency ward for hypovolemic shock. Maternal and fetal distress prompted an immediate cesarean section. The fetus was delivered stillborn, hemoperitoneum was present and two spontaneous splenic vein’s lacerations were found to be the source of the bleeding. The immediate splenectomy and aggressive correction of anemia and coagulopathy determined maternal survival. During the follow-up, no evidence of neither congenital nor acquired causative factors for a splenic vein rupture was found. The aim of reporting this case is to increase the awareness between clinicians of this condition since it is both rare and with an aspecific clinical picture. It presents itself in apparently low-risk patients and a good maternal-fetal outcome can only be achieved by early diagnosis and prompt treatment.