Successful Medical Treatment with Percutaneous Drainage of Splenic Abscesses: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Splenic abscesses are relatively rare and potentially life-threatening if left untreated. Case Report: We present a case of a young male who had a history of abdominal penetrating trauma with bowel perforation 10 years ago. The patient currently suffered from fever, left upper quadrant pain, and leukocytosis. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a splenic abscess. He underwent percutaneous drainage under tomographic guidance followed by 3 weeks of antimicrobial therapy. The antimicrobial therapy and percutaneous drainage were successful, and avoided the option of splenectomy. Conclusion: Splenic abscesses should be highly suspected in patients with fever, left upper quadrant tenderness, and leukocytosis. Diagnosis should be based mostly on imaging studies, microbiological and pathological evidence, and response to antimicrobial therapy.