Spontaneous Splenic Rupture in a Diabetic Patient With Klebsiella pneumoniae-Associated Splenic Abscess: A Case Report

TL;DR

A diabetic patient developed a rare case of spontaneous spleen rupture due to a bacterial infection, requiring urgent surgery and multiple interventions.

Contribution

This case report highlights the rare but life-threatening complication of splenic rupture in diabetic patients with K. pneumoniae abscess.

Findings

A 52-year-old diabetic patient developed a splenic abscess from K. pneumoniae.

The abscess led to spontaneous splenic rupture requiring urgent splenectomy.

Prompt management of splenic complications is critical for survival in high-risk patients.

Abstract

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.

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