Splenic infarction and abscess complicating infective endocarditis

Abstract

Acute abdominal pain is one of the most common conditions confronted in the emergency department. Clues related to splenic infarction may be obscured, and the diagnosis is quite challenging even for experienced physicians or surgeons. For every patient diagnosed with splenic infarction, a scrutiny on the possible source of emboli should be carried out. In addition, splenic abscess must be suspected in patients of splenic infarction, especially if the infectious signs persist despite appropriate treatment. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential as its course can prove fatal. Infective endocarditis is the most common condition predisposing a patient to splenic abscess. Indeed, splenic abscess or infarction may be a disease entity at different stages in patients of infective endocarditis due to septic emboli of the spleen. The treatment of choice has been antibiotics, splenectomy, and valve replacement surgery. Herein, we report a case of splenic abscess and infective endocarditis cured by antibiotic treatment without the aid of drainage or surgery.