Systemic lupus erythaematosus presenting as spontaneous splenic rupture

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) is known to involve the reticuloendothelial system, but spontaneous splenic rupture (SSR) in the context of the disease is a very rare complication. We observed a 61-year-old woman with an unremarkable previous medical history who presented with SSR and underwent an emergency splenectomy. The histopathological analysis of the specimen revealed signs of vasculitis. On review of symptoms with the patient, a history of oligoarthralgia, photosensitivity, xerostomia and Raynaud phenomenon was elicited. Laboratory investigations revealed lymphopaenia, mild proteinuria and positive antinuclear and anti-dsDNA antibodies. The patient was started on hydroxychloroquine and the disease has since remained silent. This article addresses the rare association between SLE and SSR.