Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
03:42

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess

Published on: March 15, 2024

Splenic abscess as a complication of enteric fever

Rajoo Thapa1, Kabita Mukherjee, Subroto Chakrabartty

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, India.

Indian Pediatrics
|July 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A rare complication of enteric fever, splenic abscess, is highlighted. This report details two childhood cases of enteric fever complicated by splenic abscess, one solitary and one multiple.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Enteric fever, a systemic infection caused by Salmonella species, can lead to various complications.
  • Splenic abscess is an uncommon but serious sequela of enteric fever, particularly in children.
  • Early recognition and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of enteric fever complicated by splenic abscess are presented.
  • One case involved a solitary splenic abscess.
  • The second case exhibited multiple splenic abscesses.

Findings:

  • The findings underscore that splenic abscess, though rare, is a potential complication of enteric fever in children.
  • The presentation can vary, including solitary or multiple abscess formations.
  • This highlights the importance of considering splenic pathology in febrile children with enteric fever.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness among clinicians regarding splenic abscess as a complication of enteric fever is warranted.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, potentially including surgical intervention, are essential for managing this condition.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific risk factors and optimal management strategies for splenic abscess in pediatric enteric fever.

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...