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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC-SA 4.0International Journal of Surgery Case Reports

Spontaneous splenic rupture secondary to Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a case report

  • Saurab Karki1
  • Binita Thapa Chhetri1
  • Anil Pathak1
  • Rahul Gautam1
  • Parool Khadka1
  • Nirmal Shrestha2
  1. 1Department of Internal Medicine, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
  2. 2Department of Internal Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Abstract

Introduction and importance:: Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication of Plasmodium infection. It occurs more commonly in Plasmodium vivax malaria and rarely in Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Case presentation:: We report the case of a 37-year-old male who presented with a history of alternate-day fever associated with headache and was found to have pancytopenia on laboratory evaluation. He was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Despite antimalarial therapy, the patient had splenomegaly with splenic rupture leading to hemoperitoneum on imaging. Due to hemodynamic stability, he was managed conservatively with scrupulous monitoring, platelet transfusion, and antimalarial therapy.

Clinical discussion:: Malaria remains a major infectious disease in tropical and subtropical regions, with Plasmodium falciparum causing a substantial burden of severe disease. Travelers remain at risk despite effective chemoprophylaxis, particularly with incomplete adherence or early discontinuation.

Conclusion:: Splenic rupture is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of malaria and may occur even after initiation of antimalarial therapy. Consequently, timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to improve patient outcomes.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{karki2026spontaneous,
  title = {{Spontaneous splenic rupture secondary to Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a case report}},
  author = {Saurab Karki and Binita Thapa Chhetri and Anil Pathak and Rahul Gautam and Parool Khadka and Nirmal Shrestha},
  journal = {International Journal of Surgery Case Reports},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.1097/rc9.0000000000001075},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1097/rc9.0000000000001075},
  note = {CC BY-NC-SA 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Spontaneous splenic rupture secondary to Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a case report
AU  - Saurab Karki
AU  - Binita Thapa Chhetri
AU  - Anil Pathak
AU  - Rahul Gautam
AU  - Parool Khadka
AU  - Nirmal Shrestha
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/29
JO  - International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
DO  - 10.1097/rc9.0000000000001075
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1097/rc9.0000000000001075
AB  - Introduction and importance:: Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication of Plasmodium infection. It occurs more commonly in Plasmodium vivax malaria and rarely in Plasmodium falciparum infection.  Case presentation:: We report the case of a 37-year-old male who presented with a history of alternate-day fever associated with headache and was found to have pancytopenia on laboratory evaluation. He was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Despite antimalarial therapy, the patient had splenomegaly with splenic rupture leading to hemoperitoneum on imaging. Due to hemodynamic stability, he was managed conservatively with scrupulous monitoring, platelet transfusion, and antimalarial therapy.  Clinical discussion:: Malaria remains a major infectious disease in tropical and subtropical regions, with Plasmodium falciparum causing a substantial burden of severe disease. Travelers remain at risk despite effective chemoprophylaxis, particularly with incomplete adherence or early discontinuation.  Conclusion:: Splenic rupture is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of malaria and may occur even after initiation of antimalarial therapy. Consequently, timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to improve patient outcomes.
SN  - 2210-2612
ER  -