Introduction: A gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is a pathologic connection between the spleen and stomach that can lead to life threatening complications. A GSF can arise spontaneously but is often secondary to a variety of etiologies. Most commonly, GSFs arise from gastric or splenic non-Hodgkin’s diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Only 46 cases of GSFs have been published to date and due to its rarity, extensive literature review is insufficient for characterization of GSFs.
Case Report: This case discusses a patient with intermittent abdominal pain and weight loss which led to the diagnosis and treatment of a gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The patient later went into remission for his DLBCL but succumbed to respiratory failure from a secondary abdominal-pleural fistula formation. GSFs have the potential to cause fatal massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages, infections, fistulas, or obstructions. Delayed diagnosis corresponds with a higher morbidity and mortality; thus, prompt detection and treatment are imperative. The management of GSFs is complex due to their rare nature and requires a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Conclusion: The intention of this report is to provide information and increase awareness of GSFs in the medical community to facilitate their diagnosis.