Splenic rupture secondary to pancreatic malignancy invasion: A rare case

Abstract

Malignancy is a rare etiology of splenic rupture, with most documented cases resulting from hematologic cancers. There have been very few reports of splenic rupture resulting from invasion or metastasis of adenocarcinoma and even fewer reports resulting from specifically pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this case report, we outline the clinical course of a 60-year-old male with splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum following a ground level fall who was transferred to the Shock Trauma Center (STC) from a local emergency department. Outside of the ruptured spleen, no other traumatic injuries were found on examination or imaging. Due to the initial concern for traumatic etiology, exploratory laparotomy was performed with splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. Postoperative pathology results revealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma with splenic invasion staged pT3N0. This report provides a novel example of splenic rupture in the background of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma and further solidifies the importance of maintaining a broad differential in cases of seemingly innocuous trauma.