Hypovitaminosis C and Splenic Rupture

Abstract

Two cases of splenic rupture in patients with hypovitaminosis C are reported. In Case 1 the deficiency was dietary in origin; this patient also had pernicious anaemia with an associated thrombocytopenia. These 2 abnormalities are considered significant in predisposing to splenic rupture on minimal trauma. In Case 2, in which the vitamin C deficiency was due to dietary deficiency and to malabsorption following partial gastrectomy, the low leucocyte ascorbic acid was the only abnormality detected, and the splenic rupture was spontaneous. A splenectomy was carried out and at operation there was noted to be persistent oozing of blood from muscle and subcutaneous tissue, and post-operatively, from the wound.

It is suggested that in cases of spontaneous rupture of the spleen, as in any case of unexplained haemorrhage, the diagnosis of scurvy should be considered.