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The authors have observed 2 new cases of splenic rupture due to pancreatic pseudocyst and have made a review of the literature on the subject (40 cases). The clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of this rare but sometimes dramatic complication of chronic pancreatitis have been analyzed. Diagnosis should be suspected in the case of abdominal pain, mass and anemia in the male subject with previously known chronic pancreatic or alcoholic disease. Sonography completed by either angiography or CT scan if time permits are the best diagnostic methods. Ideal management should include treatment (excision or drainage) of the pseudocyst and splenectomy.

The authors report a series of 33 cases of documented splenic lesions which were not operated on. In their opinion non-surgical management is justified, thanks to the progress in ultrasonography and intensive care monitoring. They define out the modalities of this therapeutic choice.