Citation

Kluger Y, Paul DB, Raves JJ, Fonda M, Young JC, Townsend RN, Diamond DL. J. Trauma 1994; 36(4): 568-571.

Affiliation

Medical College of Pennsylvania, Division of General Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh 15212.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8158722

Abstract

Over a 1-year period, three patients were seen in our trauma service with delayed bleeding (> or = 7 days) from an initially inapparent splenic injury. This entity was defined as a late occurrence of signs and symptoms attributed to splenic injury not detected by diagnostic computed tomographic (CT) scanning during the initial examination. We believe that this represents an "injury in evolution" minor enough to go undetected on initial CT scans of the abdomen. A high index of suspicion and liberal utilization of imaging techniques are essential for the identification of delayed splenic rupture. Further multicenter studies are required to delineate the true incidence of its occurrence and its clinical significance. We conclude that "delayed rupture" of the spleen is a true clinical entity. The occurrence of a delayed rupture may prove hazardous to patients discharged early from the hospital after blunt abdominal injury. A classification system to assess this type of injury is suggested.

Language: en