Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
Abdominal manifestations of Q fever
Eva Špitalská1, Peter Sabaka2, Andrea Komorníková3
1Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; National Reference Centre for Surveillance and Laboratory diagnosis of Rickettsioses Banská Bystrica, Performance workplace Institute of Virology, Bratislava, Slovakia.
Objectives:
Hepatopathy of the steatosis type, splenopathy, and a hypoechoic enlarged gallbladder on abdominal ultrasonography are indications of sudden inflammation affecting the abdominal region. Such a clinical picture due to Q fever is common. However, infectious etiologies for primary mesenteric adenitis are rare.
Methods:
A complete biochemistry and clinical examination of the patients, followed by a spectrum of serological and molecular biological tests were performed to detect a causative agent of a very serious, highly infectious illness.
Results:
Here we report two exceptional cases of Q fever. Physical examination at the time of hospitalization revealed malaise, which was primarily manifested by temperature >38°C. Both patients presented overlapping clinical and laboratory parameters, an elevated lymphocyte, and liver enzyme levels, and high C-reactive protein. The diagnosis of "query" hepatopathy, enlarged gallbladder, splenomegaly and newly, mesenteric adenitis was confirmed by computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Serological examination and molecular detection of the pathogen confirmed Coxiella burnetii as the causative agent.
Conclusions:
We recommend Q fever be considered not only in cases of acute hepatopathy, enlarged gallbladder and spleen, but also on the occurrence of mesenteric adenitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
01:19Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four...
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
01:23Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis