[Splenic abscesses. Apropos of 3 new cases]
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Abstract:
Splenic abscess remains a rare condition which is difficult to diagnose and is usually only an autopsy finding. However, it is a serious situation despite surgical treatment which is curative for most abscesses. The authors report 3 cases of single splenic abscess seen at random over a short period of 9 months. Urinary tract infection and diabetes as favoring factors, with a clinical picture of fever, pain in the left hypochondrium and leucocytosis led to additional investigations (CT scan and echotomography) confirming the diagnosis. Splenectomy with drainage of the splenic bed, as surgical treatment, was successful in all 3 cases.
Insights
Splenic abscess is a rare but serious condition. Early diagnosis using CT scans and ultrasound, followed by splenectomy, leads to successful treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Splenic abscess is a rare clinical diagnosis, often discovered post-mortem.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose:
- To report three cases of splenic abscess diagnosed and treated over a nine-month period.
- To highlight diagnostic methods and successful surgical management of splenic abscess.
Summary:
- Three patients presented with fever, left hypochondrium pain, and leukocytosis.
- Urinary tract infections and diabetes were identified as predisposing factors.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans and echotomography confirmed the splenic abscess diagnosis.
- All patients underwent splenectomy with splenic bed drainage, resulting in successful recovery.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of modern imaging in diagnosing splenic abscess.
- Reinforces splenectomy as a curative treatment for splenic abscess.
- Highlights the importance of considering splenic abscess in patients with relevant risk factors and clinical signs.