Splenic abscess complicated by pleural empyema: A rare case report from rural Nepal

Splenic abscess generally occurs through hematogenous spread and typically follows endocarditis or seeding from contiguous sites of infection. This can be complicated by empyema thoracis. We present a rarer case of chronic alcoholic with splenic abscess along with empyema thoracis.

A 39-year old alcoholic male presented with history of pain at left hypochondrium and difficulty breathing for 7 days. Abdominal examination revealed tenderness at left hypochondrium along with enlarged spleen and liver associated with decreased air entry of left chest. Chest X-ray showed complete white out lung field on left side. Contrast enhanced tomography abdomen and pelvis revealed splenic abscess involving lower pole of spleen along with peri splenic extension. Tube thoracostomy drainage on left chest was done followed by ultrasonography guided repeated aspiration of splenic entity. Pus culture sensitivity showed growth of Streptococcus pyogenes while splenic aspirate remained sterile. Patient got discharged on 8th day of admission with full recovery.

Splenic abscess is the rare entity which is commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals that might get complicated as empyema thoracis and management includes broad spectrum antibiotics along with tube thoracostomy and percutaneous drainage of splenic abscess if possible, in view of spleen being salvageable. Pleural collection revealed growth of Streptococcus pyogenes in our case which itself is the rare finding.

Splenic abscess can be managed with percutaneous aspiration/drainage if lesion is unilocular in the view of salvaging spleen. Complicated empyema can be managed with tube thoracostomy along with broad spectrum antibiotics.