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Published on: March 2, 2020
Clostridium perfringens splenic abscess treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy: a case report
Hanne Hellinckx1, Helena Mertes2, Inne Vanreusel3
1Department of internal medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Introduction:
Splenic abscesses are a rare medical entity with high mortality, with Clostridium perfringens being an exceptional pathogen. We present the first case describing an abscess of the spleen in a patient undergoing treatment with adalimumab, an anti-tumour necrosis factor commonly used in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Patient:
We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman, treated with adalimumab therapy, who was found to have a splenic abscess, caused by C. perfringens.
Result:
After antibiotic treatment and percutaneous drainage, the patient recovered both clinically and radiographically.
Discussion:
We reviewed literature about C. perfringens splenic abscesses. In all cases identified, a splenectomy was performed. This is the first case description of splenic abscess caused by C. perfringens where a percutaneous drainage was performed, leading to complete recovery in our patient. This seems to indicate that a splenectomy is not necessary in all C. perfringens splenic abscesses.
Insights
Clostridium perfringens splenic abscesses are rare and dangerous. A patient on adalimumab for inflammatory bowel disease recovered with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage, avoiding splenectomy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Splenic abscesses are uncommon but carry high mortality rates.
- Clostridium perfringens is an unusual cause of splenic abscess.
- Adalimumab, an anti-tumour necrosis factor agent, is frequently used for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old woman on adalimumab therapy developed a splenic abscess.
- The abscess was caused by Clostridium perfringens.
Findings:
- The patient successfully recovered with antibiotic treatment and percutaneous drainage.
- This case is the first reported instance of a Clostridium perfringens splenic abscess treated with percutaneous drainage.
Implications:
- Percutaneous drainage may be a viable alternative to splenectomy for Clostridium perfringens splenic abscesses.
- This approach could potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce surgical morbidity.
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