Related Experiment Videos
[Fulminant infection outcome after splenectomy]
M Rodriguez Gomez1, U Oehler, B Helpap
1Institut für Pathologie, Hegau Klinikum, Singen.
Abstract:
A report is given of two patients with a history of splenectomy many years previously due to traumatic rupture. No vaccination was given to either patient. From a state of good health, both patients developed fulminant, therapy-resistant sepsis with proof of Streptococcus pneumonlae in the blood culture. Autopsy findings were similar to Waterhouse-Friderichsen-syndrome. In conjunction with the history of splenectomy, the final pathological diagnosis was a so-called OPSI syndrome. This postsplenectomy sepsis is discussed further.
Insights
Patients who underwent splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) can develop overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI). This severe sepsis, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, occurred in two unvaccinated individuals years after spleen removal.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen, significantly increases the risk of severe infections.
- Overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI) is a rare but life-threatening complication.
- Vaccination is crucial for asplenic individuals to prevent OPSI.