Roentgenologic Diagnosis of Ruptured Spleen

Abstract

RUPTURE of the spleen, a frequent acute abdominal condition characterized by symptoms and signs of internal hemorrhage and shock, necessitates surgical intervention, usually splenectomy. In a typical case, the diagnosis may often be made from the clinical history — for example, after trauma to the left lower part of the chest or upper abdomen, the patient may complain of pain in the left upper quadrant radiating to the left shoulder; this is the most common symptom of ruptured spleen. In certain other cases the condition may not be recognized immediately. This is particularly true when there is delayed rupture. In . . .