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[Splenic abscess in the course of infective endocarditis--report of a case]

Elzbieta Ryczak1, Jerzy Mosiewicz, Andrzej Biłan

  • 1Katedra i Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych AM im. prof. Feliksa Skubiszewskiego, Lublinie. zawada@eskulap.am.lublin.pl

Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej
|March 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Infective endocarditis can lead to splenic abscess, a rare complication. This case highlights a 65-year-old man diagnosed with a splenic abscess caused by Acinetobacter Baumanii, treated successfully with splenectomy and antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Infective endocarditis is a significant risk factor for splenic abscess development.
  • Fever of unknown origin (FUO) can be a challenging diagnostic presentation.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old male presented with FUO lasting over a year.
  • Diagnostic workup included echocardiography, blood cultures, abdominal ultrasonography, and CT scan.
  • The patient was diagnosed with a splenic abscess attributed to Acinetobacter Baumanii infection.

Findings:

  • The splenic abscess was confirmed to be a complication of underlying infective endocarditis.
  • Treatment involved splenectomy and a course of antibiotics.
  • Successful treatment resulted in fever resolution and patient recovery.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering splenic abscess in patients with prolonged FUO and infective endocarditis.
  • Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management, including surgical intervention and targeted antibiotics, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Acinetobacter Baumanii, though uncommon, should be considered in the etiology of splenic abscesses associated with endocarditis.

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