Ruptured splenic abscess causing pneumoperitoneum: a rare cause revisited.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Diabetology
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is associated with various complications.
• Splenic abscesses are uncommon but serious intra-abdominal infections.
• Pneumoperitoneum typically indicates gastrointestinal perforation.

Observation:

• A patient with uncontrolled diabetes presented with abdominal pain and fever, progressing to acute abdomen.
• Radiographic imaging revealed pneumoperitoneum, suggesting hollow viscus perforation.
• Exploratory laparotomy was performed due to high clinical suspicion.

Findings:

• The exploratory laparotomy identified a splenic abscess as the cause of pneumoperitoneum.
• The patient received antibiotic treatment.
• No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted.

Implications:

• Splenic abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum, especially in diabetic patients.
• This case highlights the importance of considering unusual causes of acute abdomen.
• Effective antibiotic therapy and surgical management can lead to favorable outcomes.