Ruptured spleen. Coloured computed tomography (CT) scan of a ruptured spleen (lower right, blue) and consequent heavy internal bleeding (black). This is a horizontal slice through the abdomen, with the patient's back at the bottom of the picture. The yellow organ on the left is the liver, surrounded here by blood. At lower centre is the spine (orange) and at right the stomach (green). The orange ovals surrounding the abdomen are ribs. Ruptured spleen is caused by a severe blow to the abdomen, as in a car crash or fall from a height. The resulting internal bleeding can be fatal. Treatment involves emergency surgery to remove the damaged organ.