Invasive Management of Abscess Due to Splenic Infarct: A Retrospective Analysis of Thirteen Cases

Abstract

Splenic infarction is a rare condition successfully treated with medical methods in general. The aim of this study was to evaluate the invasive treatment options in patients with splenic infarction-associated abscess. Methods: Files of thirteen patients, who underwent percutaneous drainage or a surgical procedure due to abscess as a result of splenic infarction, were retrospectively reviewed. Age symptoms, results of physical and radiological examinations and therapeutic methods were analyzed. Results: A total of 13 patients with the mean age of 56±18 years were included in the study. Seven (54%) patients were female and six (46%) were male. Acute abdomen was observed in 11 patients (85%), and acute abdomen as well as high white blood cell (WBC) count (>15000/mL) in nine patients (70%). Percutaneous drainage was performed in five patients (39%) and splenectomy in eight patients (62%), all of whom were diagnosed with splenic abscess by means of computed tomography. There was no difference in age, gender, acute abdomen, WBC count, platelet count and mortality between patients who underwent splenectomy and percutaneous drainage group, whereas in the splenectomy group, the number of associated diseases was higher and the length of hospital stay was longer (p=0.017 and p=0.011, respectively). Conclusion: Percutaneous drainage and, when necessary, splenectomy should be performed in patients who develop abscess as a result of splenic infarct, whose general health conditions deteriorates and whose symptoms do not improve and who have high WBC count despite medical treatment.