Case report of successful partial splenectomy for a splenic abscess in a paediatric patient

IntroductionSplenic abscess (SA) is a rare potentially fatal condition in the paediatric population. It is difficult to diagnose given its non-specific presentation. There are no current guidelines for management of SA in this population but splenic preservation is advantageous given the vital role the spleen plays in immunity.Presentation of caseWe present a case of a 15-year-old boy with a large splenic abscess. He underwent successful partial splenectomy with resolution of his symptoms thereafter.DiscussionStandard surgical treatment for splenic abscess is antibiotics and drainage. Spleen-preserving options include percutaneous drainage, partial splenectomy, subtotal splenectomy and splenic auto-transplantation. Spleen-preserving techniques should be used where possible to achieve best outcome in clearing infection and to ensure the immunologic role of the spleen is not compromised.ConclusionSplenic abscess is rare conditions seen in paediatric practice with high mortality and partial splenectomy can be a useful spleen-preserving technique in treating this condition.     

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.     

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: presentation, treatment options, and results

Pyogenic splenic abscess is a rare condition that tends to occur in patients with predisposing factors. The use of splenectomy or computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage in 10 patients with splenic abscess is presented. In 8 of 10 cases, the diagnosis was based on abdominal computed tomography scan. Seven of 10 patients were treated with splenectomy, and 3 were managed with computed tomography-guided drainage. Abscess cultures included Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacteroides fragilis. There were two morbidities and one death in the splenectomy group and no complications in those treated with percutaneous drainage. This review suggests a flexible approach in the management of splenic abscess. Although splenectomy remains the traditional treatment for bacterial splenic abscess, CT-guided drainage may be appropriate in carefully selected patients.     

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.     

A Retrospective Study of 75 Cases of Splenic Abscess

Splenic abscess is an uncommon and life-threatening condition. Due to its nonspecific clinical picture, it remains a diagnostic challenge. Multiple radiological modalities are used for the diagnosis. In this retrospective study we analyzed 75 patients treated between 1999 and 2009. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the treatment received. Group I (n = 14) consisted of patients treated with only antibiotics, Group II (n = 19) patients were treated with percutaneous drainage and Group III (n = 42) with splenectomy. We tried to establish epidemiologic and clinical features and therapeutic options in splenic abscess. Our study suggests that percutaneous drainage is a safe and effective alternative to surgery especially in unilocular or bilocular abscesses thus allowing preservation of the spleen. It should be considered as the first line of treatment although splenectomy remains the final definitive procedure if percutaneous drainage fails.     

肝肿瘤射频消融术后感染性并发症的处理

目的分析肝恶性肿瘤经皮射频消融术(RFA)后感染性并发症的临床特点及处理方法。方法回顾性分析于我科接受RFA治疗的356例肝脏恶性肿瘤患者,其中原发性肝癌296例,肝转移癌60例。对于术后有严重感染表现的患者进行即刻腹部超声和(或)CT增强扫描。明确肝内局部脓肿形成后,采取置管引流、使用抗生素等干预措施,并随访1年。全部脓肿引流液均行细菌学检查并根据药敏结果调整抗生素用药。结果 356例RFA术后共5例患者发生局部严重感染,其中3例为肝脓肿,1例胆汁瘤合并感染,1例为腹壁脓肿。1例肝脓肿患者肝内局部病灶与结肠肝曲形成窦道且经久不愈,经外科手术局部修补+肝内脓肿置管引流后局部及全身症状有所缓解,但于RFA术后8个月死于全身衰竭。1例腹壁脓肿患者经抗感染、置管引流、局部换药处理后局部及全身症状有所缓解,但于RFA术后6个月死于肿瘤进展。1例肝脓肿和1例胆汁瘤合并感染患者经单纯病变部位置管引流+抗生素治疗后临床症状明显缓解,随诊1年达到临床治愈。1例肝脓肿患者经病变部位置管引流+抗生素治疗后,感染灶痊愈,但随访至9个月时死于肝内肿瘤转移导致的多脏器功能衰竭。结论 RFA术后严重感染性并发症并不少见,感染途径可来自肠道菌群逆行感染,Whipple术等导致Oddi括约肌无功能的RFA术后继发严重感染的明确诱因。除根据药敏实验应用敏感抗生素外,及时行脓腔穿刺引流、外科干预等综合治疗是针对RFA术后局部感染性并发症的有效方法。     

Surgical management of splenic abscess complicated by pleural effusion in rural setting: A case report from rural Indonesia

Introduction and importanceSplenic abscess is a potentially life-threatening disease. Antibiotics along with surgery are the gold standard therapy. We present a case of splenic-salvaged surgical management of a large splenic abscess in a rural setting, complying with the available resources.Case presentationA 35-year old female presented to the ER with a history of left hypochondrium pain and fever for seven days. Abdominal tenderness at the left hypochondrium with an enlarged spleen was found. Laboratory tests showed severe anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis. Chest X-ray suggested pulmonary tuberculosis with minimal left pleural effusion. Ultrasound revealed a large unifocal splenic abscess. Antibiotics were administered. Simplified percutaneous drainage was performed, followed by open surgery abscess drainage. The patient showed a smooth recovery.Clinical discussionPulmonary tuberculosis finding in a patient with splenic abscess suggested the potential etiology which itself is a rare finding. Spleen preservation surgery along with antibiotics is preferable to retain immunologic functions. In the rural setting, like Indonesia, where a pig-tail catheter set is not available, a simplified abscess drainage procedure is feasible. In patients with poor conditions, laparotomy and splenectomy approaches would lead to higher mortality and morbidity rates. Chest tube insertion may not be necessary for minimal pleural effusion in a splenic abscess as it may resolve naturally along with the abscess recovery.ConclusionLarge splenic abscess can be managed by abscess drainage if the lesion is unifocal, in a view of the spleen being salvageable in patients with poor general conditions.     

Conservative management of isolated splenic abscess in children

Introduction

Isolated splenic abscesses (SAs) are rare in children. We report a single-center experience with emphasis on their diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective review.

Results

Eighteen children (age, 3-16 years; male-female ratio, 5:1) were managed over a period of 8 years in a tertiary-care institution. Presenting symptoms included fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Splenomegaly was present in 12 (67%), leukocytosis in 9 (50%), and thrombocytosis in 12 (67%) patients. Associated diseases were thalassemia (1), tuberculosis (1), and typhoid fever (9). Solitary and multiple SAs were seen in equal numbers. Blood culture grew Salmonella paratyphi A in 1 case. Splenic aspirate culture was positive in 3 (Escherichia coli [1], S paratyphi A [1], Acinetobacter [1]). Widal serology was positive in 9 (50%) patients. Management consisted of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in all patients, together with percutaneous aspiration in 10 (56%) cases where the abscess size was greater than 3 cm. All patients responded, and complete resolution was observed.

Conclusion

Isolated SA in children responds favorably to conservative treatment with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and percutaneous drainage without the need for splenectomy.     

The early diagnosis of splenic abscess

Five cases of splenic abscess seen between 1970 and 1984 are reviewed. The predisposing factors included preceding pyogenic infection, sickle cell disease, and contiguous disease in the pancreas. Abdominal pain and fever were the most frequent presenting symptoms. The most common physical finding was left upper quadrant (LUQ) abdominal tenderness. All patients were treated with splenectomy. In one patient percutaneous drainage was attempted prior to splenectomy but failed. The mortality rate was 20 per cent. Radiologic procedures developed in the last ten years make possible the early diagnosis and treatment of splenic abscess. The treatment of choice remains antibiotics followed by splenectomy.     

Splenic abscess: an easily overlooked disease?

Splenic abscess is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening disease. Recent advances in radiology have affected the diagnosis and management of this disease entity. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in managing these patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 51 patients with splenic abscess as seen in a tertiary medical center between 1998 and 2003. We analyzed the demographics, clinical manifestations, etiology, predisposing factors, diagnostic modalities, bacteriologic profile, treatment, and outcome of these patients. The mean age was 59.9 +/- 14.2 years (ranging from 21-89 years). The male:female ratio was 29:22. Common symptoms included fever (82%), abdominal pain (71%), and nausea and vomiting (46%). The majority of these patients (83%) had leukocytosis. Thirty-six patients had associated parenchymal liver diseases and 26 patients had diabetes mellitus. Abdominal sonogram or computed tomography was performed to establish the diagnosis. Most cultures from the abscess cavities grew gram-negative enteric bacilli. Patients were treated with antimicrobial therapy only (n = 33), additional percutaneous drainage with a pigtail catheter (n = 11), or splenectomy (n = 7), and the survival rates were 48 per cent, 45 per cent, and 100 per cent, respectively. Splenic abscess should be considered in a patient with fever, left upper abdominal pain, and leukocytosis. Splenectomy appears to have better treatment outcome than percutaneous drainage or intravenous antibiotics alone.     

The role of percutaneous US-guided drainage in the treatment of splenic abscess. Case report and review of the literature

Splenic abscess is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening disease that generally occurs in patients with neoplasia, immunodeficiency, hemoglobinopathies, trauma, metastatic infection, splenic infarction and diabetes. Splenic abscess should be considered in a patient with fever, left upper abdominal pain, and leukocytosis. Splenectomy has been the gold standard treatment for splenic abscess, however, burdened by high morbidity rate related clinical conditions of the patient. With the recent development of minimally invasive techniques and percutaneous US- or CT-guided procedures, the placement of a drainage has achieved excellent results with resolution of the disease in a high percentage of cases with low morbidity and negligible mortality. Percutaneous drainage is indicated for uniloculated or biloculated abscesses and for high risk surgical patients. It is a reliable technique with a high rate of therapeutical success and low costs compared to surgery. Other advantages include avoiding risks of intra-abdominal spillage and perioperative complications and saving time, along with a better patient compliance and an easier nursing care. The authors describe a case of splenic abscess treated by percutaneous US-guided drainage. Our results suggest that ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage is a safe and feasible alternative to surgery in the treatment of splenic abscesses. In addition, it allows spleen preservation.     

Minimally invasive splenectomy in grade IV splenic trauma: A case report associated with high-grade renal trauma

Introduction and importanceIn closed abdominal trauma, the spleen is the most frequently injured organ (30–45%). Splenic lesions grades IV-V have higher failure rates with nonoperative management (NOM). The minimally invasive approach is an alternative when NOM fails. This is the first reported case of a patient with splenic and left renal trauma, both grade IV, with combined management, which consisted of a minimally invasive surgical resolution of the splenic trauma and a conservative management of the renal trauma, with a satisfactory recovery of the patient. This contributes to understanding the benefits of minimally invasive surgery in moderate splenic trauma associated with other high-grade injuries.Case presentationWe present a 45-year-old woman with a multiple trauma after a motorbike vs car traffic accident. On physical examination, she was hemodynamically stable, with abdominal guarding and generalized rebound tenderness associated with multiple upper and lower limb fractures. An abdominal CT scan revealed grade IV splenic and left renal trauma, with moderate hemoperitoneum. A minimally invasive laparoscopic approach for hemoperitoneum drainage and splenectomy was performed.Clinical discussionThere is currently no consensus to define the indications for minimally invasive treatment on splenic trauma. While laparotomy is the standard treatment, it is not without potential severe complications, while laparoscopy providing a treatment option in selected cases with hemodynamic stability.ConclusionThe role of the minimally invasive approach is safe and feasible in selected patients with high-grade splenic lesions and hemodynamic stability, including the association with other organic lesions such as kidney trauma.     

Partial splenic decapsulation: a simplified operation for splenic pseudocyst

Splenic pseudocysts have traditionally required splenectomy because of the risks imposed by partial splenectomy or excision of the cyst lining. During the past 2 years, a 6-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl presenting with vague upper abdominal discomfort, palpable splenomegaly, and a large unilocular sonolucent cyst within the spleen, were treated by partial splenic decapsulation with preservation of the hilar blood supply. This procedure involves mobilizing the spleen by dividing the renal, colic, and diaphragmatic attachments; decompressing the liquefied cyst contents through a thoracostomy trochar; excising the outer splenic capsule and gaining hemostasis of the splenic wall with a running interlocked silk suture; and providing external tube drainage of the left upper quadrant. During the follow-up period of 26 and 12 months, splenic size has returned to normal. Serial nuclear scan and ultrasound show a small residual crescent-shaped deformity of the functioning splenic remnant. We conclude that partial splenic decapsulation for splenic pseudocyst is simpler and safer than other preservation procedures attempted, and carries no increased risk of recurrence from leaving a portion of the pseudocyst wall.     

Primary Splenic Angiosarcoma

Primary splenic angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive malignant neoplasm arising from splenic vascular endothelium. A 70-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath and chest discomfort secondary to a left-sided pleural effusion. A thoracentesis revealed a reactive effusion suspicious for malignancy. Splenic enlargement with heterogeneous enhancement was identified on CT of the abdomen. Laboratory findings at initial presentation revealed mild anemia (10.5g/dL) with normal platelets (300 × 10⁹/L). Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed, and a primary splenic angiosarcoma was discovered. After 2 rounds of chemotherapy, a CT scan showed progressive disease with metastasis to the liver and lung. The patient''s antineoplastic regimen was switched to Ifosfamide and Doxorubicin. She is currently alive with evidence of disease at 9 months but without further progression. Primary splenic angiosarcoma is almost universally fatal despite treatment. The best chance for survival is early diagnosis and prompt splenectomy prior to splenic rupture.     

Splenic abscess associated with endocarditis.

BACKGROUND. Refractory or recurrent sepsis in patients with endocarditis may be from splenic abscess. The purpose of this review is to assess this relationship. METHODS. Of 564 patients treated for documented endocarditis between 1970 and 1990, splenic abscesses developed in 27 patients. The mean age of the 18 men and nine women was 37 years. Etiologic factors included street drugs, dental abscess, and rheumatic fever. Symptoms included fever, myalgia, chills, and dyspnea; the prodrome averaged 2 weeks. Typical signs were heart murmur, left lower-lobe infiltrate, and leukocytosis. Splenomegaly was found in three patients. All patients had valve lesions, which involved the aortic valve alone in 10 patients, the mitral valve alone in eight patients, and multiple valves in nine patients. RESULTS. A splenic defect on computed axial tomographic scan was diagnosed correctly as an abscess in 10 patients, was indeterminant in three patients, and was incorrectly called an infarct in four patients. Thirteen patients died. All 10 patients treated without splenectomy died, including five patients who underwent valvular replacement. In contrast, only three of 17 patients treated by splenectomy with (11 patients) or without (six patients) valvular surgery died. CONCLUSIONS. Splenic abscess often accompanies endocarditis. The diagnosis is suspected by refractory fever and confirmed by abdominal computed axial tomography scan. Splenectomy is warranted before or after valvular surgery, depending on the patient's clinical response to antibiotics.     

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.     

Splenic abscess--a changing trend in treatment

Fifteen patients with splenic abscesses were evaluated between 1985 and 1995. The most common predisposing factors were remote infection, diabetes mellitus and heart disease. Common clinical presentations included leucocytosis, fever, left upper quadrant abdominal pain and left pleural effusion. Four patients with splenic abscesses smaller than 4 cm in diameter were treated with antibiotics alone, and 1 in this treatment group died. Among the 10 patients with splenic abscesses larger than 4 cm in diameter receiving percutaneous drainage, 9 (90%) were successfully cured, including 8 with unilocular abscesses and 1 with multilocular abscesses. Two patients underwent splenectomy. In conclusion, percutaneous drainage using ultrasound or computed tomography guidance may be recommended as the treatment of choice for splenic abscess larger than 4 cm in diameter. Antibiotics alone may sometimes be considered for splenic abscesses smaller than 4 cm in diameter. Splenectomy is reserved for those cases where medical treatment has failed.