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Splenic abscess associated with infective endocarditis; Case series.
Abdelfatah Elasfar1, Abdulaziz AlBaradai2, Ziyad AlHarfi2
1Prince Salman Heart Center, King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ; Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.
Journal of the Saudi Heart Association
|July 3, 2015
Summary
Splenic abscess, a rare infective endocarditis complication, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early splenectomy combined with antibiotics and valve surgery offers a potentially life-saving approach for patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Surgical Management
Background:
- Splenic abscess is a rare but serious complication of infective endocarditis.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to fatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present case reports on the management of splenic abscesses in patients with infective endocarditis.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of splenectomy in conjunction with other treatments.
Main Methods:
- Case series of three patients diagnosed with splenic abscess secondary to infective endocarditis.
- Diagnosis confirmed via abdominal computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Management involved splenectomy (pre- or post-cardiac surgery) and antibiotic therapy.
Main Results:
- All three patients successfully recovered after treatment.
- Splenectomy was performed either before or after valve replacement surgery.
- Outpatient follow-up confirmed satisfactory patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Immediate splenectomy, appropriate antibiotics, and valve replacement surgery are crucial for managing splenic abscess in infective endocarditis.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended for optimal patient outcomes.
- This combined strategy may represent the treatment of choice for this clinical scenario.
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