Splenic Abscess: An Uncommon Entity with Potentially Life-Threatening Evolution

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Abdominal Surgery
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Splenic abscess is a rare clinical entity with a high potential for severe complications.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical features, microbiological causes, treatment strategies, and outcomes of splenic abscess patients.
• To identify factors influencing mortality and prognosis in splenic abscess cases.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with splenic abscess at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan over five years.
• Analysis of clinical characteristics, underlying conditions, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Sixteen patients with splenic abscess were identified, presenting commonly with fever and abdominal pain.
• All patients received antimicrobial therapy; 87.5% recovered with medical treatment alone.
• Percutaneous drainage was performed in 25% of patients, and one patient underwent splenectomy.

Conclusions:

• Mortality in splenic abscess cases appears linked to underlying immunodeficiency.
• Antimicrobial therapy alone offers a good prognosis, particularly for patients with small and multiple abscesses.