Splenic pathology in traumatic rupture of the spleen: a five year study.

OBJECTIVES To Study the histopathology of spleens with a history of traumatic rupture with a view to establish possible predisposing factors to the rupture METHODS This study examined the gross and microscopic features of consecutive cases of splenectomies done for traumatic rupture during a five year period in order to evaluate the presence or absence of any pathology prior to rupture. RESULTS Of the 17 cases of splenectomy during this period, 14 were normal and 3 cases showed pathology other than rupture. CONCLUSION In the five year period of studying splenic pathology in traumatic rupture, 82% of the spleens showed normal histology except for the rupture. 18% of the cases showed different pathological findings on histopathology which could have contributed to the rupture.