Richter's transformation presenting as splenic rupture after 6 years of complete remission of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Richter9s transformation is a rare clinical condition occurring in about 5–10% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Patients usually present with lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. These patients have a very poor prognosis with a median survival of about 10 months. We present a patient, with a history of CLL in complete remission, who presented with splenic rupture requiring splenectomy. She was eventually diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with Richter9s transformation.