Splenic abscess: a review with the value of ultrasound

Five cases of splenic abscess are presented. A positive ultrasound diagnosis was made in each patient, showing a regular or ill-defined anechoic mass with large or small, high-intensity echogenic foci due to contained debris. Computed tomography performed in two cases showed intrasplenic low-density areas essentially unchanged following intravenous contrast administration. Gas was present in one of the abscesses. The clinical implications in a septicaemic patient with intrasplenic gas formation following splenic embolisation are discussed.