[Splenic abscess: presentation of nine cases]. / Abscesos esplénicos: presentación de nueve casos.

ABSTRACT

Relatively rare, splenic abscess is difficult to diagnose and often fatal if left untreated. The disease is thought to be growing in frequency because of the increasing number of inmunocompromised patients. Several mechanisms for the development of splenic abscess may exist. Some studies demonstrate that prior splenic injury in addition to bacteraemia is required for a splenic abscess to occur. In our series, 9 non immunocompromised patients were identified to have this disease during a 6 years period. Pathogens isolated included Salmonella sp, Staphylococcus sp and Enterococcus sp. Splenectomy was performed in three patients; in another a percutaneous drainage was done. One patient died. In summary, though rare, splenic abscess presents with high morbidity and mortality. In our experience, risk factors as immunocompromise seem not to be so prevalent in patients with splenic abscess and therefore this diagnosis should be considered in all patients with fever of unknown origin.