Spontaneous splenic rupture in mononucleosis.

Infectious mononucleosis is a disease entity with many and various manifestations. Suspicion of the disease is of the utmost importance. When indicated, adequate tests often repeated must be made to prove or disprove a suspicion of infectious mononucleosis. The disease is usually a benign condition; one of the more serious complications is "spontaneous" splenic rupture. Whether rupture is indeed spontaneous or is caused by relatively light trauma to a weakened organ is debatable. Splenectomy is the treatment for this complication; it does not cure the underlying disease. Once the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis has been established, abdominal examinations should be limited and cautious.