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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
The spleen helps your body fight infection and filter unwanted material, such as old or damaged blood cells. The spleen also produces red blood cells and certain types of white blood cells. A ruptured spleen may pour a large amount of blood into your abdominal cavity.
Abdominal pain and tenderness are the classic symptoms of a ruptured spleen. If internal bleeding causes your blood pressure to drop, you may become lightheaded or confused. Blurred vision and fainting are possible as well.
When to see a doctor
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency. If you have pain in the left upper abdomen or signs and symptoms of low blood pressure — such as lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision or fainting — following an injury, seek emergency medical care.
- Laparoscopic spleen removal (splenectomy). The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgeons. http://www.sages.org/sagespublication.php?doc=PI12. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Spleen injury. The Merck Manuals Medical Online Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec14/ch179/ch179c.html. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Mononucleosis. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/infections/common/viral/077.html. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Splenectomy. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/655.printerview.html. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Indications for splenectomy. National Guideline Clearinghouse. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=5505. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
