Splenic rupture following shock wave lithotripsy.

We present the case of a 61-year-old female who underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment of a 12 mm left ureteropelvic junction stone. Following an uneventful and successful treatment, the patient was discharged. The patient re-presented to the emergency room 24 hours later with abdominal pain and hypotension. CT of the abdomen revealed a shattered spleen necessitating emergent removal. The patient recovered without difficulty. Although splenic rupture following shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) has been reported previously, this case represents the only published report of splenic rupture with use of a third generation electromagnetic lithotripter. Our report will highlight the details of the case and comment on the salient literature concerning visceral injury following lithotripsy.