Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Bloodless Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy Assisted by Bipolar Radiofrequency Excision Hemostatic Device
Published on: November 4, 2022
Splenic infarct due to scrub typhus
Selvin Sundar Raj1, Adhiti Krishnamoorthy1, Manjeera Jagannati1
1Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Scrub typhus is a mite borne infectious disease that has the potential to involve multiple organs and can be fatal. Involvement of the abdomen in the form of hepatitis, gastric ulcerations and pancreatitis are well-documented, the pathology being disseminated vasculitis. However involvement of the spleen in scrub typhus is extremely rare and is reported only in a few autopsy studies. We report the case of a 50-year-old lady who presented with fever and left upper quadrant abdominal pain due to a splenic infarct due to scrub typhus.
Insights
Scrub typhus, a mite-borne illness, can cause fatal organ damage. This case highlights rare splenic involvement, presenting as a splenic infarct in a patient with fever and abdominal pain.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Scrub typhus is a significant infectious disease transmitted by mites, known for potential multi-organ involvement and fatality.
- Abdominal manifestations like hepatitis, gastric ulcerations, and pancreatitis are documented, stemming from disseminated vasculitis.
Observation:
- Splenic involvement in scrub typhus is exceptionally rare, with limited documentation primarily from autopsy studies.
- A 50-year-old female patient presented with fever and characteristic left upper quadrant abdominal pain.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were attributed to a splenic infarct, a rare complication of scrub typhus.
- This case underscores the potential for vascular complications in the spleen due to scrub typhus vasculitis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering scrub typhus in the differential diagnosis of splenic infarcts, especially in endemic areas.
- Suggests that non-autopsy clinical diagnosis of splenic involvement in scrub typhus is possible.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of splenic involvement in scrub typhus is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

