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Splenic abscess. An old disease with new interest
V Smyrniotis1, D Kehagias, D Voros
1Second Department of Surgery, University of Athens, Areteion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Digestive Surgery
|October 29, 2000
Summary
Splenic abscess is rare, often affecting immunocompromised individuals. CT scans aid diagnosis, and splenectomy is the preferred treatment, offering high survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Surgical pathology
Background:
- Splenic abscess is a rare but serious condition.
- It predominantly affects immunocompromised patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of splenic abscess.
- To analyze patient demographics, clinical presentation, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 17 patients with splenic abscess from 1989-1997.
- Analysis of medical records including demographic data, clinical and radiological findings, bacteriology, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Common symptoms include fever and abdominal pain.
- Staphylococcus and Bacteroides were the most frequent pathogens.
- CT scan accurately identified splenic lesions.
- Splenectomy yielded a 92% survival rate, while medical therapy had a 100% survival rate.
Conclusions:
- Splenic abscess is a rare surgical condition, primarily seen in immunocompromised patients.
- CT scan is the definitive diagnostic tool.
- Splenectomy is the treatment of choice; medical therapy is suitable for specific pathogens with effective antimicrobial agents.