Splenic Abscess and Management Options: Report of Four Cases

Abstract

Abscess of the spleen is a rather clinical rarity with reported mortality rate up to 47%. The timely and widespread use of imaging methods facilitates early diagnosis and guides treatment, thus improving the prognosis. Most of patients were with recognized risk factors including conditions that compromise the immune system, trauma and intravenous drug abuse in addicts. The surgical treatment by splenectomy is usually the first choice of treatment but percutaneous drainage is the valid option. Splenic abscess is an unusual and potentially life-threatening disease with a diagnostic challenge due to the non-specific clinical picture and diagnosis is confirmed based mostly on imaging studies. Splenic abscesses are very rarely encountered in surgical practice with a reported high mortality rate in neglected and untreated cases. Percutaneous drainage is a valid option and safe procedure for patients with splenic abscess.




J Med Cases. 2016;7(10):432-434
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2633w