Postsplenectomy sepsis due to influenzal viremia and pneumococcemia

A 31-year-old man, who had undergone splenectomy 18 months previously because of hereditary spherocytosis, suddenly became ill, with fever, vomiting, epigastric pain and shock, and died 10 hours after the onset of his symptoms. Autopsy showed influenzal viremia, pneumococcemia and bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. The rapid course of the patient's illness emphasizes the serious risk of sepsis for individuals who have had a splenectomy. Anti-influenza immunization in such patients should be considered.