Atraumatic splenic rupture (SSR) is rare and usually occurs secondary to trauma. However, infection, particularly with Klebsiella pneumoniae in immunocompromised patients such as those with diabetes mellitus, can lead to splenic abscess, sepsis, and rupture. We report the case of a 52-year-old male with diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease who developed sepsis from a left diabetic foot infection. His hospital course was complicated by a splenic abscess caused by K. pneumoniae, resulting in SSR that necessitated urgent splenectomy. The patient also underwent multiple surgical interventions, including below-knee amputation, and was discharged in stable condition. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt management of splenic complications in high-risk patients, which are critical for survival.
Mahmood et al. (Sun,) studied this question.