Splenic Abscess Complicating Infective Endocarditis: Three Case Reports

We present three case-reports of splenic abscess in patients who were initially diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis. In all cases the diagnosis of splenic abscess was based on the findings of abdominal CT scan or MRI. All patients were treated by laparotomy and splenectomy. Two patients fully recovered and one patient, who suffered from splenic rupture and massive blood loss before surgery, died.

Splenic abscess is a well-described but rare complication of infective endocarditis. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential as its course can prove fatal.

Abdominal CT scan or MRI should be performed if there is clinical suspicion of splenic abscedation. Immediate splenectomy combined with appropriate antibiotics and valve replacement surgery is the treatment of choice. Splenic tissue is very fragile — especially if the abscess is located subcapsular — and a splenic rupture can result from minimal trauma. If the patient’s general state allows it, it is best to perform splenectomy prior to valve replacement surgery to prevent re-infection of the valve prosthesis. A combined one-stage procedure is also an option.     

Splenic abscess complicating infective endocarditis: three case reports

We present three case-reports of splenic abscess in patients who were initially diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis. In all cases the diagnosis of splenic abscess was based on the findings of abdominal CT scan or MRI. All patients were treated by laparotomy and splenectomy. Two patients fully recovered and one patient, who suffered from splenic rupture and massive blood loss before surgery, died. Splenic abscess is a well-described but rare complication of infective endocarditis. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential as its course can prove fatal. Abdominal CT scan or MRI should be performed if there is clinical suspicion of splenic abscedation. Immediate splenectomy combined with appropriate antibiotics and valve replacement surgery is the treatment of choice. Splenic tissue is very fragile--especially if the abscess is located subcapsular--and a splenic rupture can result from minimal trauma. If the patient's general state allows it, it is best to perform splenectomy prior to valve replacement surgery to prevent re-infection of the valve prosthesis. A combined one-stage procedure is also an option.     

Splenectomy for E. coli abscess: A case report with a difficult preoperative diagnosis and unclear pathogenesis

IntroductionIsolated splenic abscess is a rare clinical condition and remains a diagnostic dilemma. Clinical presentation is non-specific and the diagnosis is often delayed. Ultrasonography and CT scan are the gold standard. The treatment is still controversial: antibiotic therapy, percutaneous drainage (PCD) or splenectomy.Case presentationWe present the clinical case of a patient, admitted to our Department because of abdominal pain, without fever. The preoperative radiological assesment showed three intrasplenic liquid collections, whose differential diagnosis was made between hematic collection and abscess. The treatment was splenectomy. The samples of collected liquid were positive for Escherichia Coli.ConclusionIn case of splenic abscess, splenectomy is the best therapeutic choice. The other therapeutical options like antibiotic therapy and PCD, can be used only in particular cases, but without the same efficacy.     

Pyogenic splenic abscess in intravenous drug addiction

Among the surgical complications of intravenous drug addiction, pyogenic splenic abscess is considered to be a rare entity. A review of the literature reveals only 24 cases of splenic abscess secondary to this particular etiology. The authors report five patients with intravenous drug addiction who underwent splenectomy for pyogenic splenic abscess within 1 year. Fever and abdominal pain were the only constant physical signs. Three patients had associated infective endocarditis, and the other two patients sustained blunt trauma to the left side of the trunk weeks earlier. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound were diagnostic in all five patients preoperatively, and they were complementary when combined. Four of the five patients had Staphylococcus aureus septicemia at the time of splenectomy. Three patients recovered from their operations, and the other two, both with endocarditis, died postoperatively from causes unrelated to splenic abscess and splenectomy. A high index of suspicion is warranted in this susceptible group of patients with vague abdominal signs and persistent sepsis to rule out splenic suppuration. The noninvasive imaging methods, CT scan and ultrasound, facilitate early diagnosis in these patients.     

Necrotizing fasciitis secondary to carcinoma of the gallbladder with perforation

We present an unusual case of necrotizing fasciitis in the upper abdominal wall caused by penetrating perforation of the gallbladder. It was manifested as an elastic and reddish abdominal swelling with severe tenderness, but no peritoneal irritation. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated water density with a slightly elevated CT value and air bubbles in the subcutaneous space. The preoperative diagnosis was subcutaneous abscess with fasciitis. At surgery, necrotizing fasciitis and subcutaneous abscess secondary to penetrating perforation of the gallbladder were revealed. Cholecystectomy and peritoneal irrigation were performed. Although no tumor was evident during surgery, a tumor located close to the perforation site was found just after the operation. Pathological examination revealed gallbladder carcinoma without stones. There have been very few previous reports of necrotizing fasciitis following gallbladder perforation. The presentation, diagnosis, and management of fasciitis, as well as carcinoma of the gallbladder with perforation, are discussed.     

Ultrasonic examination during surgery for abdominal abscess

Real-time B-mode high resolution ultrasound scanning was employed during 12 operations for abdominal abscess. These included: 5 hepatic, 2 splenic, 2 pancreatic, 2 retroperitoneal, and 1 intraperitoneal abscesses. In most instances, operative ultrasonography was considered to be helpful in operative management of abdominal abscesses. Ultrasound was valuable in: (a) localizing abscesses before tissue dissection; (b) establishing the diagnosis which had not been made preoperatively; (c) excluding the presence of abscesses suspected on preoperative studies or at operative exploration; (d) identifying adjacent structures such as blood vessels, biliary and pancreatic ducts, and intestines; and (e) guiding the needle for aspiration of abscess. Operative ultrasonography is a safe and simple technique, providing the surgeon with accurate information during surgery which may reduce the re-drainage and mortality rates of abdominal abscess.     

Splenic abscess--etiologic, clinical and diagnostic features

The aim of the study is to elucidate premorbid grounds, diagnostic and clinical peculiarities, as well as medical and surgical management of non-parasitic spleen abscess. We study 6 cases, with median age 56.7 years, men/women ratio--2:1. Onset-diagnosis period was of median 20 days. In 5 cases (83.3%) spleen abscess developed in immune compromised patients (diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis) and in one case (16.7%) subsequent to blunt abdominal trauma. Clinically, patients presented fever, weight loss and pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. The imaging data (USG, CT, and Rx-thoracic) performed prior to surgery confirmed the diagnosis. USG revealed splenic injury in 80%, CT had a 100% sensibility and thoracic Rx revealed left-side pleuro-pulmonary reaction in 83% of cases. Bacteriological test was positive in 50% of cases. One death was recorded in first 24 hours after surgery. The rest of the cases had a favorable evolution, although, in 2 cases a left subphrenic abscess was noticed, one requiring drainage; in one case--colonic fistula, which closed spontaneously. Although, it's a rare pathology, an early diagnosis is as important, as impossible, and it's delay exhausts the organism and increases the postoperative morbidity rate, splenectomy remaining the safest method of treatment.     

Abscess of the spleen: diagnosis and treatment. Apropos of 12 cases

Twelve cases of splenic abscess, seen at our hospital between January 1980 and June 1987, were reviewed retrospectively. The most common causes of splenic abscesses were subacute endocarditis and intra abdominal sepsis. Diagnosis was suspected on clinical grounds and was always confirmed by sonography and/or computerized tomography. Two patients were drained unsuccessfully under CT scan guidance and underwent splenectomy. The other patients were operated primarily. One patient developed a subphrenic abscess postoperatively. One patient died from intractable cardiac failure due to subacute endocarditis. The authors stress the role of CT scan in the diagnosis of splenic abscess and recommend early splenectomy in cases of failure of percutaneous drainage.     

Splenic abscess. An old disease with new interest

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To study the demographics, signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, imaging findings, bacteriologic profile, treatment and outcome of patients with splenic abscess. METHOD: The medical records of 17 patients with splenic abscess at two tertiary-care hospitals between 1989 and 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic data, physical and radiological findings, treatment, bacteriology reports and outcome of treatment were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 43 years (range 7-79 years). Fever and abdominal pain were the most prominent signs. Seven patients were immunocompromised, three had abscessed hydatic cysts, two were drug users and three suffered from splenic trauma, infarction, and endocarditis, respectively. No predisposing factor was identified in 2 patients. In all cases, CT demonstrated the splenic lesion(s). Staphylococcus species and Bacteriodes were the most common microbes, identified in the blood and abscess cultures. Thirteen patients underwent splenectomy, two medical therapy and two no therapy with respective survival rates of 92, 100 and 0%. CONCLUSION: Splenic abscess is a rare surgical entity encountered mostly in immunocompromised patients. CT scan is the gold standard for the definite diagnosis. Splenectomy is the treatment of choice, while medical therapy should be reserved for unusual pathogens provided that an effective antimicrobial agent is available.     

Patient with perforation caused by emphysematous cholecystitis who showed flare on the skin of the right dorsal lumbar region and intraperitoneal free gas

We report an 84-year-old man with perforation caused by emphysematous cholecystitis who showed flare on the skin of the right dorsal lumbar region and intraperitoneal free gas. The patient was admitted for abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and consciousness disorder 18 days after the onset. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed emphysema in the gallbladder and a small amount of intraperitoneal free gas. Intraoperative findings suggested gangrenous cholecystitis. The gallbladder wall was perforated, and an abscess involving the right subphrenic region, the periphery of the liver and gallbladder, and the right paracolonic groove, was detected. The flare on the body surface may have reflected abscess formation in the right abdominal cavity. Emphysematous cholecystitis induces necrosis and perforation in many patients, and immediate strategies such as emergency surgery are important.     

Delayed presentation of perisplenic abscess following arterial embolization

INTRODUCTIONSplenic abscess formation is a rare but significant complication that may occur after non-operative management (NOM) of a blunt splenic injury (BSI). we describe an unusual case of perisplenic abscess formation nearly 4 months after splenic artery angioembolization for a grade III splenic laceration.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 52-year-old male was transferred to the Emergency Department (ED) of our institution after falling off his bicycle. He was hemodynamically stable but complained of left upper quadrant pain. Computed tomography (CT) was notable for a Grade III splenic laceration. The patient underwent a successful splenic artery embolization on hospital day 1. He had an uneventful post-embolization course and was discharged 3 days later, afebrile, with a stable hematocrit. Four months after his initial presentation, the patient presented to the ED with fever, malaise, and left upper quadrant abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed a multiloculated perisplenic abscess. He underwent a splenectomy and drainage of peri-splenic abscess, received a course of antibiotics, and had an uneventful recovery.DISCUSSIONNOM including splenic angioembolization (SAE) is the standard of care for blunt splenic trauma in hemodynamically stable patients. Known complications from SAE include bleeding, missed injuries to the diaphragm and pancreas, and splenic abscess. This report documents a delayed perisplenic abscess following NOM of blunt splenic trauma, a rare but potential complication of SAE.CONCLUSIONFormation of a perisplenic abscess may occur several months after NOM of a blunt splenic injury. Prompt surgical management and antibiotic therapy are critical to avoid life-threatening complications.     

Pancreatic cancer complicated by splenic infarction and abscess

Pancreatic tail adenocarcinoma is both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Despite technical and therapeutic advances, the prognosis remains dismal; the average survival time after diagnosis is characteristically only five to eight months. Both splenic infarction and abscess are very rare complications of pancreatic cancer. In this case of splenic infarction, the possible source of emboli should be carefully investigated. In addition, splenic abscess must be suspected in patients with splenic infarction, especially if the infectious signs persist despite appropriate treatment. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential as its course can prove fatal. The patient presented herein had a splenic infarct and abscess as complications of pancreatic tail carcinoma. The treatment of choice was splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy with resection of involved organs. The variability in clinical presentation and imaging studies warrants consideration of this entity in the differential diagnosis of many splenic and pancreatic lesions.     

The splenic hydatid disease: our experience

The Authors report on a series of 5 patients with splenic hydatidosis submitted to surgery during the period 1974-2003. In 2 cases the cyst was solitary while 2 patients had a concomitant liver hydatidosis and 1 a synchronous lung cyst; one patient had been previously submitted to surgery twice for an hepatic cyst. In 1 patient the disease was asymptomatic, while 2 cases were revealed by pain and 3 by an abdominal mass. In all patients the diagnosis was preoperatively made by serological test in 1 and by CT scan in 5 and it was proved by surgery and pathology. All the patients underwent splenectomy with complete removal of the cyst. Median postoperative hospital stay was of 17.5 days (range 7-31 days). Postoperative course was regular without mortality and morbidity in 4 patients, while 1 patient developed a subphrenic abscess (overall morbidity = 20%) that required surgical drainage. No recurrences occurred after a mean follow-up of 187 months (range 169-217 months). The Authors believe that the diagnosis of splenic hydatid disease is more accurate today because of the new image techniques and that splenectomy is the surgical procedure to be preferred because it is simple and safe.     

脾占位性病变的诊断治疗：附68例报告

目的:探讨脾肿瘤的临床特点和诊治方法。方法:回顾性分析68例经手术及病理证实为脾肿瘤的临床资料。结果:良性脾占位性病变31例（45.59%），包括脾囊肿15例，血管瘤12例，淋巴管瘤3例，脾脓肿1例。恶性37例（54.41%），包括转移癌24例，血管肉瘤1例，恶性纤维组织细胞瘤1例，淋巴瘤11例。术前B超诊断为占位性病变者57例（83.82%），CT诊断为占位性病变者62例（91.18%）。59例行脾切除，6例行脾部分切除术，2例行脾囊肿穿刺引流术，1例行穿刺活检术。良性肿瘤22例获13~114个月随访，均生存良好。恶性肿瘤23例获12~79个月随访，8例淋巴瘤生存时间为14~79个月，中位生存时间33个月，其他恶性肿瘤15例中，仅3例生存＞2年，其余均在3~12个月内死亡。结论:B超和CT检查是脾肿瘤的主要诊断手段，治疗上应以手术治疗为主。良性肿瘤无论行脾切除术或脾部分切除术，术后均无需特殊处理；恶性肿瘤应以手术为主，恶性淋巴瘤在脾切除术基础上行辅助化疗对延长生存期有意义，对转移癌患者尚需在术后行相应的辅助性治疗。     

Actinomycetoma of the colon presenting as abdominal wall abscess. Case report and review of the literature

Introduction and importanceAbdominal actinomycetoma is a rare and often a missed diagnosis by most of clinicians due to its rarity and different clinical presentations. It is caused by Actinomyces speces which are gram positive bacilli and normal commensal inhabitants of the human bronchial and gastrointestinal tracts. A.Israelli is responsible for disease in humans once the mucosal barrier is broken.Case presentationThis case report presents an adult female patient who consulted for a localized abdominal wall mass of 3 weeks duration and the clinical exam was in favor of an abdominal wall abscess, but later found to be an actinomycotoma of the colon invading the abdominal wall and forming an abdominal wall abscess. Transverse colectomy and drainage of abscess was done and she improved well.Clinical discussionActinomycosis is common in the tropical and subtropical area. However, this is the first case reported in Rwanda and prompt surgical treatment and antibiotherapy have led to a good clinical outcome.ConclusionAbdominal actinomycetoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis of any abdominal wall mass for patients with known risk factors and surgery and antibiotics are the only curative treatment.     

Patterns of severe pancreatic injury following cardiopulmonary bypass.

Severe pancreatic complications following cardiac surgery are rare, but 14 patients with severe pancreatitis have been encountered since 1971. Six of these developed acute fulminating pancreatitis following cardiac surgery and each of these died within 21 days following operation. Seven patients had less severe pancreatitis, resulting in pancreatic abscess formation and five in this group expired. One patient developed a pancreatic pseudocyst following mild acute pancreatitis and expired 4 months later. Although the etiologic mechanisms are unclear, possible factors include: prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass, "the low cardiac output syndrome," and inadequately treated or unrecognized postoperative pancreatitis. The diagnosis is based on physical examination, upper gastrointestinal series, and the abdominal CT scan. Despite aggressive surgical therapy, pancreatitis following cardiopulmonary bypass is an extremely serious condition.     

Psoas abscess as a complication of pyogenic sacroiliitis: report of a case

A psoas abscess is, either primary or secondary, a rare entity for a general surgeon. Images by ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) can help a general surgeon to make an accurate diagnosis when encountering the patient complaining of unilateral lower abdominal deep pain with fever. A case of pyogenic abscess of the psoas muscle as a result of sacroiliitis in a 22-year-old man is reported herein. The abdominal CT and magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated a large multilocular abscess extending along the iliopsoas muscle, and erosion and a widening of the left sacroiliac joint. The abscess was drained with an open surgical approach and the patient responded well to antibiotic therapy. Aggressive surgical and medical treatment is necessary in patients with psoas abscess to prevent complications. Received: March 5, 2001 / Accepted: November 20, 2001     

Tubercular splenic abscess in immunocompetent patients: a rare entity

Splenic abscess is an unusual, potentially life threatening condition associated with septiceamic conditions. Splenic abscess due to tuberculosis is a rare entity, specifically seen in immunocompromised individuals. However splenic tubercular abscess in immunocompetent individuals is rarer. We present two cases of splenic tubercular abscess in immunocompetent persons where a diagnosis of tuberculosis was made after splenectomy. The aim of presenting these cases is to stress the fact that tuberculosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all cases of splenic abscesses in areas where tuberculosis is endemic.     

Nonvascular complications in pediatric liver recipients: multidetector computed tomography evaluation

In pediatric liver transplantation postoperative diagnosis of complications is crucial for graft salvage. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a technique to evaluate complications. In this study we present nonvascular abdominal complications encountered in pediatric recipients after liver transplantation. We retrospectively examined 113 MDCT examinations in 43 pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation between 1997 and 2005. Computed tomography (CT) examinations were made by a 16-detector multislice CT scanner. The pathological findings on CT images were: intraperitoneal free fluid, intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, graft liver infarction, perihepatic and intraperitoneal fluid collections (six biloma), colonic and/or intestinal dilatation, splenic infarction, perihepatic hematoma, right adrenal hemorrhage, perihepatic abscess, incisional hernia, intrahepatic biloma and periportal collar. In one patient intestinal hemorrhage was suspected. Intestinal perforation was suspected in three patients. Among these three patients, one patient died before any surgical intervention. In two patients the diagnosis was confirmed at surgery. In pediatric patients, the short examination time, brief sedation duration, and high-resolution images make MDCT an effective radiological method to evaluate nonvascular transplant complications.     

Stellenwert der Sonographie in der postoperativen Phase

In the early period following surgery, it is very important to reveal any complications. In this article the role of ultrasound in recognizing postoperative complications is demonstrated. Ultrasound findings in typical complications of abdominal surgery such as bleeding, abscess formation, acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and postoperative ileus are described. The diagnosis of postoperative bleeding, acute cholecystitis, and ileus is very reliable by ultrasound (sensitivity and specificity >95%). Ultrasonography is inferior to computed tomography in detecting pancreatitis and abscess formation. The guiding of interventions by ultrasound offers additional therapeutic options.