A rare case of non-traumatic rupture of spleen secondary to Plasmodium ovale malaria

OBJECTIVE: Plasmodium ovale malaria occurs mainly from mild form of malaria. We present a rare case of a splenic rupture secondary to complication of Plasmodium ovale malaria. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old female from Mali admitted to intensive care unit with hemorrhagic shock secondary to splenic rupture. A laparoscopic exploration was performed and patient received a massive blood transfusion for a hemodynamic stabilization. The diagnosis of malaria was confirmed by a blood smear test indicating the presence of P. ovale. A treatment of injectable Quinine was initiated with a positive outcome. CONCLUSION: Although usually considered as a cause of a mild form of malaria, P. ovale may be responsible for a ruptured spleen which can lead to a state of life- threatening hemorrhagic shock.