Splenic Abscesses in the Pediatric Population: A Literature Review of an Uncommon Entity.

Splenic abscess in the pediatric population is a rare but serious condition. Its incidence is reported to be between 0.05% and 0.7%. Splenic abscess is an infectious suppurative process with a discernible macroscopic filling defect in the subcapsular space or spleen parenchyma. Causes include bacterial infection through the hematogenous route or from locoregional spread such as the gastrointestinal tract, septic emboli, trauma, sickle cell anemia, and malarial infestation. Diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific signs and symptoms. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and palpable left upper abdominal swelling. Ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging such as CT scans are useful for the diagnosis of splenic abscess but contrast-enhanced CT scans are considered the gold standard because of their high sensitivity and specificity. Treatment options range from antimicrobial therapy, percutaneous drainage, and aspiration to surgical interventions such as splenectomy. As it has a high mortality rate, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for optimal outcomes.

A Splenic Abscess in a Trauma Setting: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review.

A splenic abscess is rare after trauma, and it has been reported with high mortality rates. Treatment options include antibiotics, percutaneous pigtail drain, or surgical intervention; however, there are no specific guidelines for the treatment of splenic abscesses in trauma settings. We report a 69-year-old male who came in with a splenic abscess after angioembolisation for a splenic laceration after having a right hemicolectomy. Our case presents new information and current recommendations for the management of splenic abscesses based on a comprehensive literature review.

Splenic Abscess: A Rare Complication of Bacterial Pneumonia.

Splenic abscess is a rare condition with potentially life-threatening evolution. Hematogenous spread is the most common cause of splenic abscess. Contiguous spread after bacterial pneumonia has rarely been reported in the literature. Early diagnosis can be made by a combination of imaging modalities and clinical features. The successful management of splenic abscess includes timely medical therapy, computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous aspiration, and splenectomy. In this report, we discuss a rare case of splenic abscess after hospitalization for bacterial pneumonia. The aim of this case report is to raise awareness about this rare complication so that prompt and appropriate management can be quickly performed to prevent severe outcomes.

Conservative Management of a Rare Contiguously Spread Splenic Abscess.

Splenic abscess is a rare condition that generally results from hematogenous spread and affects individuals with hemoglobinopathies or immunocompromising conditions. Although optimal management has recently been under contention, this condition was traditionally managed with splenectomy. We present a rare case of a 58-year-old male with chronic pancreatitis that developed a splenic abscess via a contiguous spread of a pancreatic pseudocyst. His condition was complicated by septic shock. The splenic abscess was managed with antibiotics, image-guided percutaneous drainage, and notably without surgical intervention.