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Toti JMA, Gatti B, Hunjan I, Kottanattu L, Faré PB, Renzi S, Bianchetti MG, Milani GP, Lava SAG, Camozzi P. Splenic rupture or infarction associated with Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis: a systematic literature review. Swiss Med Wkly 2023; 153:40081. [PMID: 37245117 DOI: 10.57187/smw.2023.40081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is one of the most common pathogenic viruses in humans. EBV mononucleosis always involves the spleen and as such it predisposes to splenic rupture, often without a trauma, and splenic infarction. Nowadays the goal of management is to preserve the spleen, thereby eliminating the risk of post-splenectomy infections. METHODS To characterise these complications and their management, we performed a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42022370268) following PRISMA guidelines in three databases: Excerpta Medica, the United States National Library of Medicine, and Web of Science. Articles listed in Google Scholar were also considered. Eligible articles were those describing splenic rupture or infarction in subjects with Epstein-Barr virus mononucleosis. RESULTS In the literature, we found 171 articles published since 1970, documenting 186 cases with splenic rupture and 29 with infarction. Both conditions predominantly occurred in males, 60% and 70% respectively. Splenic rupture was preceded by a trauma in 17 (9.1%) cases. Approximately 80% (n = 139) of cases occurred within three weeks of the onset of mononucleosis symptoms. A correlation was found between the World Society of Emergency Surgery splenic rupture score, which was retrospectively calculated, and surgical management: splenectomy in 84% (n = 44) of cases with a severe score and in 58% (n = 70) of cases with a moderate or minor score (p = 0.001). The mortality rate of splenic rupture was 4.8% (n = 9). In splenic infarction, an underlying haematological condition was observed in 21% (n = 6) of cases. The treatment of splenic infarction was always conservative without any fatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Similarly to traumatic splenic rupture, splenic preservation is increasingly common in the management of mononucleosis-associated cases as well. This complication is still occasionally fatal. Splenic infarction often occurs in subjects with a pre-existing haematological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes M A Toti
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Gatti
- Family medicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Hunjan
- Family medicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Kottanattu
- Pediatric Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Pietro B Faré
- Clinic of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Samuele Renzi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, CHUL-Laval, Quebec City, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Mario G Bianchetti
- Family medicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Gregorio P Milani
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sebastiano A G Lava
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Heart Failure and Transplantation, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Splenic rupture in infectious mononucleosis: A systematic review of published case reports. Injury 2016; 47:531-8. [PMID: 26563483 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2015.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common viral illness that predominantly causes sore throat, fever and cervical lymphadenopathy in adolescents and young adults. Although usually a benign, self-limiting disease, it is associated with a small risk of splenic rupture, which can be life-threatening. It is common practice therefore to advise avoiding vigorous physical activity for at least 4-6 weeks, however this is not based on controlled trials or national guidelines. We reviewed published case reports of splenic rupture occurring in the context of IM in an attempt to ascertain common factors that may predict who is at risk. METHOD A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed for case reports or series published between 1984 and 2014. In total, 52 articles or abstracts reported 85 cases. Data was extracted and compiled into a Microsoft Excel(®) spreadsheet. RESULTS The average patient age was 22 years, the majority (70%) being male. The average time between onset of IM symptoms and splenic rupture was 14 days, with a range up to 8 weeks. There was a preceding history of trauma reported in only 14%. Abdominal pain was the commonest presenting complaint of splenic rupture, being present in 88%. 32% were successfully managed non-operatively, whereas 67% underwent splenectomy. Overall mortality was 9%. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS From our data, it appears that men under 30 within 4 weeks of symptom onset are at highest risk of splenic rupture, therefore particular vigilance in this group is required. As cases have occurred up to 8 weeks after the onset of illness, we would recommend avoidance of sports, heavy lifting and vigorous activity for 8 weeks. Should the patient wish to return to high risk activities prior to this, an USS should be performed to ensure resolution of splenomegaly. The majority of cases reviewed had no preceding trauma, although previous studies have suggested this may be so minor as to go unnoticed by the patient. It is therefore prudent to warn patients about the symptoms of splenic rupture to ensure prompt presentation and minimise treatment delay rather than focusing purely on activity limitation.
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Waninger KN, Harcke HT. Determination of safe return to play for athletes recovering from infectious mononucleosis: a review of the literature. Clin J Sport Med 2005; 15:410-6. [PMID: 16278543 DOI: 10.1097/01.jsm.0000187077.82230.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infectious mononucleosis is an acute self-limited disorder diagnosed by clinical and hematologic measures. This paper reviews the literature regarding the decision-making process for return to play in individuals at risk for complications due to infectious mononucleosis. DATA SOURCES Computerized literature search identified articles using the keywords infectious mononucleosis, athlete, injury, exercise, spleen rupture, and spleen radiography. Symptoms, physical examination, hematological markers, and radiographic evaluation were considered. CONCLUSIONS No strong evidence-based information supports use of a single parameter to predict the safe return to sports participation. Current consensus supports that athletes be afebrile, well hydrated, and asymptomatic with no palpable liver or spleen. Clinical judgment incorporating these criteria 1 month after diagnosis has been suggested as a safe predictor for gradual return to competition. These conditions for return to play do not guarantee that the spleen has returned to normal size and compliance, or that the risk of spleen rupture has returned to baseline. For those athletes participating in contact sports who wish to return to sports in an earlier time frame, or those with an equivocal examination, radiographic modalities may be used to help determine liver and spleen size. Further studies are required to support this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin N Waninger
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Saint Luke's Hospital, 2830 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017-4204, USA.
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Nishida T, Ku Y, Saitoh Y. Spontaneous splenic rupture during the course of a rubella infection: report of a case. Surg Today 1995; 25:83-5. [PMID: 7749297 DOI: 10.1007/bf00309394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We report herein the case of a 26-year-old man who suffered a spontaneous splenic rupture during the course of a rubella infection. Initially, he presented with a high fever accompanied by a skin rash extending from the body trunk to the extremities and was admitted to hospital 3 days after onset for sudden upper abdominal pain radiating to both shoulders. On admission, he was pale and sweating with hypotension. An abdominal ultrasonographic study revealed a collection of fluid in the perisplenic space and exploratory laparotomy confirmed an intraabdominal hemorrhage from a ruptured spleen. The patient was treated by splenectomy and recovered uneventfully. The excised spleen was found to be moderately enlarged with a denuded capsule. Because the patient had no history of any external trauma and a positive serological test for rubella, we concluded that rubella contributed to the spontaneous splenic rupture in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nishida
- First Department of Surgery, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan
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Abstract
Spontaneous splenic rupture is an extremely rare but life-threatening complication of infectious mononucleosis in young adults. Although splenectomy remains effective treatment, reports of successful nonoperative management have challenged the time-honored approach of emergent laparotomy. On retrospective analysis of our institutional experience with 8,116 patients who had this disease during a 40-year period, we found 5 substantiated cases of atraumatic splenic rupture due to infectious mononucleosis. Four additional cases of suspected splenic rupture were noted. All nine patients were hospitalized and treated (seven underwent splenectomy and two were treated with supportive measures only), and they remain alive and well. In patients with infectious mononucleosis suspected of having rupture of the spleen, a rapid but thorough assessment and prompt implementation of appropriate management should minimize the associated morbidity and mortality. On the basis of review of the medical literature and careful scrutiny of our own experience, we advocate emergent splenectomy for spontaneous splenic rupture in patients with infectious mononucleosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Farley
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
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Abstract
Since Atkinson first described idiopathic rupture of a normal spleen in 1874, there has been controversy regarding the application of the terms "idiopathic" and "spontaneous". One such case is reported, and the validity of the description "idiopathic" or "spontaneous" discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Crate
- Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot, Hants
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Abstract
Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral illness associated with a high incidence of splenomegaly, although the incidence of splenic rupture is low. When rupture occurs, the mortality has been significant, presumably, because a history of trauma is not present. The spleen may be vulnerable to injury due to the histopathologic changes that occur as a result of this illness. Essentially all patients with spontaneous rupture related to infectious mononucleosis have epigastric or upper abdominal pain. The diagnosis of splenic rupture may be confirmed in a variety of ways. In those patients who are hemodynamically stable, CT scan, ultrasound, or radionuclide scan may aid in establishing the diagnosis. Selective splenic angiography is very accurate but has been largely abandoned because of the invasive nature of the study. Peritoneal lavage is efficacious in establishing the diagnosis in hemodynamically unstable patients. The treatment of choice, at this time, is splenectomy. Current interest in splenic salvage has resulted in reports of nonoperative therapy in stable patients and splenorrhaphy in one instance. Due to the extent of the histologic changes in the spleen, caution is urged in electing the conservative approach to this clinical situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Konvolinka
- Department of Surgery, Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Ormann W, Hopf G. [Spontaneous splenic rupture in infectious mononucleosis--organ-sparing operation using fibrin glue]. LANGENBECKS ARCHIV FUR CHIRURGIE 1988; 373:240-2. [PMID: 2463447 DOI: 10.1007/bf01261816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We present the case of a 16-year-old female patient with infectious mononucleosis complicated by spontaneous splenic rupture on the eighth day of the disease. This event is seldom; only 38 cases of true spontaneous rupture of the spleen in infectious mononucleosis could be found when the literature was reviewed. The diagnosis of splenic rupture in our case was made by ultrasound, just as the further postoperative follow-up. For the first time the splenic lesion was successfully managed by application of fibrin tissue adhesive.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Ormann
- Städtische Kliniken Kassel, Medizinische Klinik I
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