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Study · Not a test of the peptide alone · 2026

2 results

Spontaneous Splenic Rupture in a Patient With Recent Use of Performance-Enhancing Compounds: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Jaffry K, Shah J, Naqash N

Cureus30 Mar 2026

PMID42064485 (opens in a new tab)PMCIDPMC13126228 (opens in a new tab)DOI10.7759/cureus.106106 (opens in a new tab)PepBankPUB-42064485
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Summary

Atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR) is a rare but life-threatening surgical emergency that most commonly occurs in pathologically abnormal spleens. We present a unique case of ASR in a middle-aged man with recent use of performance-enhancing compounds, managed with both embolization and surgery. This case highlights an unusual potential contributing risk factor and underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and definitive management of ASR. A 54-year-old male presented to the emergency department with acute left upper quadrant abdominal pain and vomiting. Notably, he had recently been using MK-677 (ibutamoren), a growth hormone secretagogue, and RAD-140 (testolone), a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), for bodybuilding purposes. The patient denied any history of trauma. Computed tomography revealed a large perisplenic hematoma consistent with splenic rupture. Following initial resuscitation, emergent splenic artery embolization was performed to control hemorrhage. This intervention stabilized the patient transiently; however, he ultimately required an emergency laparotomy with total splenectomy. Histopathological examination demonstrated large areas of splenic infarction, with features raising the possibility of an underlying vascular malformation.  These findings underscore the importance of recognising ASR in patients with acute abdominal pain and vascular risk factors. We explore the potential and speculative role of performance-enhancing compounds in precipitating splenic complications, drawing parallels to the established association between traditional anabolic steroids and peliosis - blood-filled vascular cavities that predispose to rupture. While RAD-140 and MK-677 have not been previously linked to splenic pathology, their pharmacological effects on androgen receptor signalling and IGF-1 pathways warrant consideration as possible contributing factors, particularly in the context of a suspected pre-existing vascular malformation. Early recognition, aggressive resuscitation, and timely surgical intervention remain critical, as delayed diagnosis carries significant mortality.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study2

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone2

In this study, MK-677 (ibutamoren) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking MK-677 (ibutamoren).

  1. 01HumanNot a test of MK-677 (ibutamoren) aloneCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    A man with recent MK‑677 and RAD-140 use presented with splenic rupture.

    In plain wordsA man who recently used MK‑677 and RAD-140 had a ruptured spleen.

    Peptide
    MK-677 (ibutamoren)
    Outcome
    Not applicableSplenic rupture
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Computed tomography revealed a large perisplenic hematoma consistent with splenic rupture.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Notably, he had recently been using MK-677 (ibutamoren), a growth hormone secretagogue, and RAD-140 (testolone), a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), for bodybuilding purposes.

    In this study, MK-677 (ibutamoren) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking MK-677 (ibutamoren).

  2. 02HumanNot a test of MK-677 (ibutamoren) aloneCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    Histopathology showed large areas of splenic infarction in a man with recent MK‑677 and RAD-140 use.

    In plain wordsA man who recently used MK‑677 and RAD-140 had large areas of dead tissue in his spleen.

    Peptide
    MK-677 (ibutamoren)
    Outcome
    Not applicableSplenic infarction
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Histopathological examination demonstrated large areas of splenic infarction, with features raising the possibility of an underlying vascular malformation.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Notably, he had recently been using MK-677 (ibutamoren), a growth hormone secretagogue, and RAD-140 (testolone), a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), for bodybuilding purposes.

    In this study, MK-677 (ibutamoren) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking MK-677 (ibutamoren).

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 2Current

    14 Oct 2026, 05:02 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Version 1

    14 Oct 2026, 01:46 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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