Splenic abscess: the rationale for selective non-surgical treatment

Abscess of the spleen is a potentially lethal condition, with an associated mortality rate of 60-100% in untreated patients. Splenectomy, or in selected cases, surgical or percutaneous drainage of the abscess is currently considered the standard of care. So far, conservative treatment with antibiotics has been successfully employed in four patients, including the two reported herein. The importance of a careful clinical and ultrasonographic monitoring for best therapeutic decision-making in patients with splenic abscess, is stressed.