Atraumatic Splenic Rupture Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus: A Case Report

Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is typically self-limiting but can lead to rare, life-threatening complications such as atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR). We report the case of a 16-year-old female presenting with left upper quadrant pain and peritoneal signs. The initial laboratory findings revealed grade I anemia and leukocytosis. Images obtained by simple CT revealed the presence of free intra-abdominal fluid and a perisplenic hematoma. This raised the diagnostic suspicion of splenic rupture in the context of an acute EBV infection. Emergency splenectomy was required due to hemodynamic instability. The patient recovered well postoperatively. ASR, though uncommon, demands prompt recognition and management in mononucleosis patients with abdominal symptoms and potential circulatory compromise.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-06-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.87030
Primary Topic
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
Type
article
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article

Atraumatic Splenic Rupture Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus: A Case Report

Rafael F. Duarte, Akiko Sada, Daniel Alejandro Gamón Briseño, Nora Lis Flores Olmos et al.
Cureus
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
article

Atraumatic Splenic Rupture Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus: A Case Report

Rafael F. Duarte, Akiko Sada, Daniel Alejandro Gamón Briseño, Nora Lis Flores Olmos, Victor Mario Ortega Valerio
article en

Abstract

Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is typically self-limiting but can lead to rare, life-threatening complications such as atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR). We report the case of a 16-year-old female presenting with left upper quadrant pain and peritoneal signs. The initial laboratory findings revealed grade I anemia and leukocytosis. Images obtained by simple CT revealed the presence of free intra-abdominal fluid and a perisplenic hematoma. This raised the diagnostic suspicion of splenic rupture in the context of an acute EBV infection. Emergency splenectomy was required due to hemodynamic instability. The patient recovered well postoperatively. ASR, though uncommon, demands prompt recognition and management in mononucleosis patients with abdominal symptoms and potential circulatory compromise.

CureusVol. 17(6)
Pemex (Mexico) (MX), Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (MX)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 74%
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
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Atraumatic Splenic Rupture Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus: A Case Report — Rafael F. Duarte, Akiko Sada, et al. · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS