Case report of a spontaneous splenic rupture in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated by arterial splenic embolization

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Spontaneous splenic rupture (SSR) is a rare phenomenon where the spleen ruptures without associated trauma. SSR can lead to an intra-abdominal haemorrhage and an acute abdomen that can be life threatening. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we present the case of an 81-year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In order to stabilize the patient, while awaiting elective surgery, we managed the rupture with splenic embolization and we reviewed the literature related to the treatments of SSR especially, by arterial splenic embolization. CONCLUSION: Splenic embolization is a safe treatment option, that allows a rapid stabilization and has the advantage of both, splenectomy and conservative treatment.