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[Splenic abscess: presentation of nine cases]

Iago Villamil-Cajoto1, F L Lado, A Van den Eynde-Collado

  • 1Departamento de Medicina, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Spain. iago.villamil.cajoto@sergas.es

Revista Chilena De Infectologia : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Chilena De Infectologia
|May 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Splenic abscess is a rare but serious condition. Our findings suggest immunocompromise may not be as prevalent, emphasizing its consideration in fever of unknown origin cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Abdominal Surgery

Context:

  • Splenic abscess is a rare condition with high mortality.
  • Increasing incidence is often attributed to immunocompromised patients.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging, necessitating a high index of suspicion.

Purpose:

  • To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of splenic abscess.
  • To evaluate the role of immunocompromise as a risk factor.
  • To highlight the importance of considering splenic abscess in unexplained fever.

Summary:

  • A series of 9 non-immunocompromised patients with splenic abscess over 6 years.
  • Common pathogens included Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus.
  • Treatment involved splenectomy or percutaneous drainage, with one mortality.

Impact:

  • Challenges the assumption that immunocompromise is the primary risk factor for splenic abscess.
  • Suggests splenic abscess should be considered in a broader patient population presenting with fever of unknown origin.
  • Highlights the significant morbidity and mortality associated with splenic abscess, even in non-immunocompromised individuals.

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