[Splenic rupture following colonoscopy: report of an unusual case in the absence of underlying splenic disease].

Splenic injury following colonoscopy is rare and, to our knowledge, 18 cases only have been reported so far in the literature. The presumed mechanisms for splenic injury during colonoscopy are direct trauma to the spleen or excessive traction of the splenocolic ligament this latter mechanism being due to decreased mobility between the spleen and the colon secondary to adhesions. Splenomegaly or underlying splenic disease are two conditions which are considered to be predisposing factors to splenic injury. We report one case of splenic rupture which was due to colonoscopy in the absence of any underlying splenic disease. This case was diagnosed and monitored by computed tomography, thus avoiding unnecessary splenectomy.