Saturday, January 31st 2026
Pain on the left side of the abdomen, dizziness and a drop in blood pressure can be warning signs of a potentially fatal condition
Spleen rupture or rupture occurs when the protective capsule or internal tissue of this organ is damaged, which can lead to severe internal bleeding. The spleen is a delicate, fist-sized organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, under the left ribs.
It plays a key role in the immune system and blood circulation:
– filters and stores about 25 percent of red blood cells and platelets,
– helps produce white blood cells that fight infections.
The functional tissue of the spleen, called “pulp”, is surrounded by a thin muscular capsule through which many blood vessels pass, which makes the spleen particularly susceptible to damage.
The anatomical structure of the spleen makes this organ relatively easy to damage, especially from strong external trauma. When its capsule is ruptured or damaged, the condition is called splenic rupture.
If the spleen ruptures, it is the abdominal organ that most often causes massive, potentially fatal bleeding. This is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and immediate intervention, often surgical.
Traffic accidents, responsible for about 50–75% of cases
Sports injuries, especially in contact sports such as football or hockey
Physical violence, including blows, knife or gunshot wounds
The spleen can rupture immediately after the impact, but there is also a late rupture, and which occurs a few hours or days later, as a result of swelling and gradual weakening of the capsule.
Yes, although rarely. Spontaneous rupture of the spleen can occur when an underlying disease causes it to enlarge, weakening the capsule to the point of rupture.
Conditions that may favor this are:
Infections, including infectious mononucleosis and malaria
Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as hepatitis or pancreatitis
What are the signs and symptoms of a ruptured spleen?
Spleen it is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, below the left ribcage and diaphragm. At the time of rupture, there is usually severe and immediate pain in this area.
However, because traumas that damage the spleen are often accompanied by other injuries (eg rib fractures), the patient may not immediately recognize the exact source of pain.
A typical sign is the displacement of pain towards the left shoulder or left chest, known as Ker’s sign (Kehr sign). This is because the pooling blood irritates the left phrenic nerve, which connects the diaphragm to the neck and shoulder.
Other warning signs that indicate internal bleeding
In addition to pain, a ruptured spleen can cause symptoms related to blood loss and a rapid drop in blood pressure, such as:
Important: Any suspicion of a ruptured spleen requires immediate medical attention, as delay in treatment can be fatal.
Source: prizrenpost
