Splenic rupture in a premature neonate.

Abstract

Splenic injuries are very rare in neonates. We report a case of splenic injury in a premature neonate, highlighting the importance of a high-index suspicion in early recognition of this rare but potentially fatal intra-abdominal injury. We also review the literature on possible aetiologies and mechanism of splenic injury, as well as its management. This is the first reported case of a very low-birth-weight neonate with splenic rupture who survived with intact neurology.