Risk Factors for Splenic Rupture in a Patient with Malaria

Risk factors for splenic rupture in a patient with malaria:

(1) Plasmodium vivax infection (rupture if rare with Pl. falciparum)

(2) acute episode

(3) nonimmune patient

(4) rapid hyperplasia and enlargement of the spleen with stretching of the capsule

(5) multiple splenic infarcts

(6) abdominal trauma

(7) severe vomiting or rigors that may compress or stretch the spleen

While trauma may precipitate splenic rupture, spontaneous rupture may also occur.

A patient with chronic malaria tends to have increased fibrous tissue in the spleen which may protect against rupture.