Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures in splenic abscesses

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Splenic abscesses are rare but serious infections.
• Traditional management often involved splenectomy, leading to increased infection risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided interventional procedures for splenic abscess treatment.
• To determine if these minimally invasive techniques can obviate the need for splenectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 21 patients with splenic abscesses treated over 12 years.
• Procedures included needle aspiration for small abscesses (<3.5 cm) and pigtail catheter drainage for larger abscesses (>=3.5 cm).
• All patients received concurrent antibiotic therapy for at least eight weeks.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound-guided interventions were successful in all 21 patients.
• One patient experienced a minor subcapsular hematoma, requiring no intervention.
• All patients demonstrated uneventful clinical courses, with spleen preservation.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures are a safe and effective treatment for splenic abscesses.
• These minimally invasive techniques are a viable alternative to splenectomy, preserving splenic function.
• This approach represents a treatment-of-choice for splenic abscess management.