Unusual presentation of pancreatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma by spontaneous splenic rupture.

Background: Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are uncommon tumors with varying potential for malignancy. Although traumatic splenic rupture is common, spontaneous rupture is a rare event.

Methods: We present an unusual case of spontaneous splenic rupture, due to an otherwise asymptomatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the tail of the pancreas.

Conclusions: A tumor of the tail of the pancreas may uncommonly present as spontaneous splenic rupture, probably due to venous congestion and infiltration of the spleen, requiring emergency surgical treatment.