The spleen is located on the left upper side of the abdomen and helps the body fight infection. Because blood is always flowing through the spleen, a ruptured or torn spleen can result in significant blood loss. MayoClinic.com describes the symptoms of a ruptured spleen as pain or tenderness in the abdomen. Additionally, internal bleeding can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, causing lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision and possibly fainting.
Trauma
According to MayoClinic.com, the most common cause of a ruptured spleen is trauma to the left upper abdomen. Types of trauma that may cause a ruptured spleen include car accidents, sports, and fights that involve punching and kicking. Any injury that results in a significant blow to the upper abdomen can potentially cause a damaged and possibly ruptured spleen. The rupture may occur immediately after the injury, or may rupture days or weeks after the traumatic event.
Mononucleosis
If it grows too large, the spleen may rupture because it is not able to withstand the pressure caused by its increased size. One disease that causes enlargement of the spleen is infectious mononucleosis, often shortened to just "mono." Mono is caused the by the Epstein-Barr virus and makes 45 out of every 100,000 people in the United States sick each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. There is no cure for mono, but it generally goes away on its own, though the symptoms associated with the infection can last for weeks or even months. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises infected persons to take great care when they have mono because of the possibility of the rupture of an enlarged spleen. They advise no contact sports or heavy lifting for two months after an infected person starts feeling well again.
Malaria
Another disease that causes an enlarged, and possibly ruptured, spleen is malaria. Malaria is caused by a variety of parasites that all belong to the genus Plasmodium, which are transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito. One particular type of parasite, called Plasmodium vivax, causes a malarial disease in which one of the symptoms is an enlarged spleen, according to the Rochester Institute of Technology. In fact, Plasmodium vivax generally does not cause fatal disease, except for when the spleen ruptures.
