[Pyogenic splenic abscesses. A review of 8 cases]

Pyogenic splenic abscess is un uncommon and potentially life-threatening disease. Due to inconspicuous and nonspecific clinical picture, it remains a diagnostic challenge. Medical imaging progresses are helpful for diagnosis and treatment.

We tried to establish epidemiologic and clinical features and therapeutic possibilities of 8 cases of splenic abscesses occurred between 1993 and 2002.

There were 5 male patients and 3 female patients. Aged ranged from 17 to 53 years, with a median of 34 years. One patient was immunocompromised (colonic carcinoma). Common clinical presentations included fever (n=8) and left upper quadrant abdominal pain (n=7). Positive blood cultures were found in only four patients (50%) : Staphylococcus aureus (3) and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (1). Staphylococcus aureus and Bacteroïdes fragilis were isolated in one abscess pus respectively. The diagnosis was obtained by ultrasonography in all 8 cases. Antibiotics were prescribed in all cases for a mean length of 60 days (30 - 110 days). Splenectomy and percutaneous CT-guided drainage were performed in one case respectively. Evolution was good in all cases.

Splenic abscesses are increasingly recognized. The combination of clinical features and imaging findings, early diagnosis and treatment can be made.