Splenic haematoma complicating infective endocarditis: role of preoperative splenic artery embolization

Splenic involvement is not uncommon among patients with infective endocarditis (IE). These patients are susceptible to massive intra-abdominal haemorrhage resulting either from splenic rupture complicating endocarditis or from complication of major splenectomy. We report a patient with splenic haematoma complicating IE with progressive cardiac decompensation and valve destruction warranting early surgery. Preoperative splenic artery embolization was successfully performed and the patient subsequently received life-saving cardiac valvular replacement surgery. The favourable outcome of our patient depicts a pivotal role of preoperative splenic artery embolization in haemodynamically compromised patients undergoing cardiac valvular surgery for IE.