The spleen is an organ on the left side of your abdomen that filters unwanted matter from your blood and helps fight infection. It is composed of lymphatic tissue and can bleed profusely if injured. According to Mayo Clinic, in the past, a ruptured spleen usually led to automatic removal of the spleen, but medical treatment requiring hospitalization is often prescribed today. Blood transfusions may also be needed. Another option is surgical repair, while severely injured spleens may still need to be removed. A ruptured, or burst, spleen is considered a medical emergency, as fatal hemorrhaging can occur.
Abdominal Pain
The Merck Manual states that abdominal pain below the left side of the ribcage is a symptom of a ruptured spleen. The pain may also be in the left shoulder. Significant tenderness may be felt across the abdomen. This pain and tenderness is caused by blood spilling into the abdominal cavity. The specific location of the pain helps the physician determine that it is indeed the spleen that is injured.
Abdominal Muscular Rigidity
According to the Merck Manual, patients with a ruptured spleen will have abdominal muscles that are firm or rigid. The muscles will be contracting as a reflex to the injury and bleeding.
Low Blood Pressure
A final symptom of splenic rupture is low blood pressure due to blood loss. This may manifest as lightheadedness, confusion and blurry vision. Fainting can occur if the hemorrhaging is severe or untreated. Unconsciousness can result from a ruptured spleen and is a common outcome of serious car accidents in which the abdomen is struck.
What to Do
These symptoms may be noted after an injury to the abdominal area, such as being struck with a fist or object, being in a car wreck or having a sports-related injury. According to Mayo Clinic, these symptoms can occur right away, but an injured spleen may not rupture until weeks after the traumatic incident. Also, you should be alert for a ruptured spleen if you have mononucleosis, liver cancer or a cancer of the blood. If you notice these symptoms at any time, seek emergency medical care.
