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A 54-year old man was hospitalized for a non severe acute pancreatitis of alcoholic aetiology. Four days after his admission, whilst symptoms and laboratory findings were on the mend, he suddenly presented with acute shock. A CT-scan demonstrated a massive haemoperitoneum due to splenic rupture which necessitated an emergency splenectomy. The causes of shock in acute pancreatitis and the factors that may lead to splenic rupture are discussed. In this patient, a possible role of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment remains undetermined.

In 1987, two media campaigns were organized in Switzerland to promote donor cards. The purpose of this study was to test their impact on the medical community. Questionnaires were sent to qualified practitioners, doctors in training and intensive care nurses. It is concluded that the campaigns for organ donation must be repeated and that their quality can be improved. It is however more urgent to improve the level of knowledge among doctors and other health professionals.