A case of severe Plasmodium ovale malaria with acute respiratory distress syndrome and splenic infarction in a male traveller presenting in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium ovale malaria is usually considered a tropical infectious disease associated with low morbidity and mortality. However, severe disease and death have previously been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of severe P. ovale malaria in a healthy Caucasian man with a triangle splenic infarction and clinical progression towards Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was reported despite a rapid response to oral chloroquine treatment with 24-h parasitaemia clearance. CONCLUSION: Plasmodium ovale malaria is generally considered as a benign disease, with low parasitaemia. However, severe disease and death have occasionally been reported. It is important to be aware that occasionally it can progress to serious illness and death even in immunocompetent individuals.

Splenic Subcapsular Hematoma from Commercial Air Travel: Case Report of a Unique Incident of Altitude-Associated Splenic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell trait (SCT), the heterozygous form of sickle cell disease, is generally thought of as a benign condition. However, it is possible for those with SCT to have serious complications, especially when they are exposed to high altitudes where oxygen levels are low. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 41-year-old man with a history of SCT who developed severe epigastric pain and nearly lost consciousness while traveling on a commercial airplane. His twin brother, who also has SCT, had a similar episode in the past and required a splenectomy. A splenic subcapsular hematoma was found in a computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast. He was admitted and managed conservatively until his symptoms resolved. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Though SCT is prevalent in our population, the complications that can arise, such as altitude-associated splenic syndrome, have likely not been thoroughly investigated. Physicians should add this condition to their differential if they practice at locations near airports or in areas of higher altitude and if their patients have a past medical history of SCT.

Children systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To early recognise and improve the prognosis of children systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE)-associated pancreatitis by summarising and analysing clinical features and prognosis data from 12 cases. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 12 cases of cSLE-associated pancreatitis diagnosed and treated from January 2016 to December 2021 at hospitals such as Children's Hospital of Capital Institute of Paediatrics. RESULTS: The median SLEDAI-2K score for disease activity was 18.00 (range 12.25-21.00) in the case group and 10.00 (range 7.00-18.00) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two groups. The case group had a higher proportion of abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, pleural effusion, Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), splenic infarction, and concurrent macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) than the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Serum ferritin (SF), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), amylase, and increased 24-h urine protein levels were statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05); platelet counts (PLT) reduction was also statistically different (P < 0.05). The case group had a higher proportion of methylprednisolone pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide pulse therapy during remission induction, and therapeutic plasma exchange than the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two. CONCLUSION: CSLE-associated pancreatitis has a high fatality rate. The presence of RP, splenic infarction, pleural effusion, and MAS warrants attention from clinicians regarding the possibility of pancreatitis. Once pancreatitis is detected, the primary disease needs active treatment for better prognosis.

A case of multifocal sclerosis angiomatoid nodular transformations of the spleen occurring after partial splenic infarction with transcatheter arterial embolization for splenic artery aneurysm.

A 48-year-old woman underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for a splenic artery aneurysm, which resulted in a partial splenic infarction in the middle lobe. Five years after TAE, a 20-mm diameter mass in the noninfarcted area of the spleen was detected on imaging, which grew to 25 mm in diameter after 6 months. MRI after gadolinium administration showed a 35 × 34 mm mass within the superior pole and 15 × 12 mm mass within the inferior pole. The patient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy and had an uneventful postoperative recovery. No evidence of recurrence was observed during the 2-year follow-up period after surgery. The mass was pathologically confirmed to be sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) of the spleen. While some studies hypothesize that SANT is a response to vascular injury or trauma, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of SANT occurring after procedures directly affecting splenic blood flow. Additionally, multifocal SANTs are reported to be very rare, accounting for only 4.7% of all reported SANTs of the spleen. We highlight a rare course of SANT of the spleen and discuss the possible relationship between blood flow abnormalities and the appearance of SANT.

Learning curve of robotic-assisted splenic vessel-preserving spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy by one single surgeon: a retrospective cohort study.

AIM: Splenic vessel-preserving spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SVP-SPDP) has a lower risk of splenic infarction than the splenicvessel-sacrificing SPDP, but it is more technically demanding. Learning curve of robotic-assisted SVP-SPDP (RSVP-SPDP) remains unreported. This study sought to analyze the perioperative outcomes and learning curve of RSVP-SPDP by one single surgeon. METHODS: Seventy-four patients who were intended to receive RSVP-SPDP at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between May 2015 and January 2023 were included. The learning curve were retrospectively analyzed by using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analyses. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients underwent RSVP-SPDP (spleen preservation rate: 83.8%). According to CUSUM curve, the operation time (median, 318 vs. 220 min; P < 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (median, 50 vs. 50 mL; P = 0.012) was improved significantly after 16 cases. Blood transfusion rate (12.5% vs. 3.4%; P = 0.202), postoperative major morbidity rate (6.3% vs. 3.4%; P = 0.524), and postoperative length-of-stay (median, 10 vs. 8 days; P = 0.120) improved after 16 cases but did not reach statistical difference. None of the patients had splenic infarction or abscess postoperatively. CONCLUSION: RSVP-SPDP was a safe and feasible approach for selected patients after learning curve. The improvement of operation time and intraoperative blood loss was achieved after 16 cases.

Acute Brucella infection associated with splenic infarction: a case report and review of the literature.

Brucella infection often involves multiple organ systems with non-specific clinical manifestations, and cutaneous involvement is uncommon. Splenic infarction and leukocytoclastic vasculitis also rarely occur together in the course of brucellosis infection. We report the case of a 47-year-old man with Brucella combined with splenic infarction. The patient presented with fever; large liver, spleen, and lymph nodes; muscle and joint pain; positive laboratory tests for blood cultures (Brucella abortus); and imaging suggestive of splenic infarction. After treatment with streptomycin, doxycycline, and rifampicin, the patient's clinical symptoms and splenic damage improved. Detailed history taking, correct interpretation of laboratory results, and knowledge of rare complications of human brucellosis facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Spleen-preserving pancreatectomy with removal of splenic vessels: impact on splenic parenchyma ?

BACKGROUND: While outcomes after spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SP-DP) have been widely reported, impacts on splenic parenchyma have not been well studied. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes, particularly spleen-related outcomes, by assessing splenic imaging after SP-DP with or without splenic vessels removal. METHODS: Data for all patients who underwent SP-DP with splenic vessels removal (Warshaw technique, WDP) or preservation (Kimura technique, KDP) between 2010 and 2022 in two tertiary centres were retrospectively analysed. Splenic ischemia and volume at early/late imaging and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were included, 51 in the WDP and 36 in the KDP groups. Median Charlson's Comorbidity Index was significantly higher in the WDP group compared with the KDP group. Postoperative morbidity was similar between groups. There was more splenic ischemia at early imaging in the WDP group compared to the KDP group (55% vs. 14%, p = 0.018), especially severe ischemia (23% vs. 0%). Partial splenic atrophy was observed in 29% and 0% in the WDP and KDP groups, respectively (p = 0.002); no complete splenic atrophy was observed. Platelet levels at POD 1, 2 and 6 were significantly higher in the WDP group compared to KDP group. At univariate analysis, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, platelet levels at POD 6, and early splenic infarction were prognostic factors for development of splenic atrophy. No episodes of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection or secondary splenectomy were recorded after a median follow-up of 9 and 11 months in the WDP and KDP groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic ischemia appeared in one-half of patients undergoing SP-DP with splenic vessels removal at early imaging, and partial splenic atrophy in almost 30% at late imaging, without clinical impact or complete splenic atrophy. Age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, platelet levels at POD 6, and early splenic infarction could help to predict the occurrence of splenic atrophy.

Evaluation of splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after partial splenic artery embolization.

OBJECTIVE: The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and is one of the least understood organs of the human body. It is involved in the production of blood cells and helps filter the blood, remove old blood cells, and fight infection. Partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) is widely used to treat pancytopenia and portal hypertension. The efficacy of PSE for improving thrombocytopenia has been well demonstrated. In this study, we evaluated the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE. METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients underwent PSE from January 2014 to August 2022. We retrospectively evaluated the splenic infarction volume and ratio after PSE and analyzed the relationship between the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE. RESULTS: The platelet increase ratio was correlated with the splenic infarction ratio after PSE. The cutoff value for the splenic infarction ratio with a two-fold platelet increase was 63.0%. CONCLUSION: We suggest performance of PSE in patients with a splenic infarction ratio of 63% to double the expected platelet count.

Splenomegaly and Splenic Pseudocyst in a Female Teenage Patient with Sickle Cell Anemia-A Case Report.

Splenomegaly is one of the complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) occurring in early childhood. This risk is reduced by the age of five years as the spleen undergoes auto splenectomy as a consequence of recurrent vasooclusion and splenic infarction. However, in some variants of SCD, the persistence of the spleen occurs. This can be complicated rarely by the formation of a splenic pseudocyst. We report a 17-year-old teenager with sickle cell anemia who presented with an 8-year history of gradually increasing left-sided abdominal swelling and a 2-month history of recurrent left upper abdominal pain. A computerized tomography scan revealed splenomegaly and multiple splenic cysts, not responsive to opioid analgesics which necessitated a total splenectomy. The histology report found an absence of epithelial lining confirming splenic pseudocysts. SCD patients with splenomegaly have underlying splenic infarction, which is a predisposition to splenic pseudocyst formation, though a rare occurrence. Many patients with splenic pseudocyst are usually asymptomatic and do not need intervention. However, the index patient developed serious symptoms indicating a need for a total splenectomy. A splenic pseudocyst is rare and found in <1% of splenectomies.

First case report of splenomegaly with splenic infarction due to aortic graft infection.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of aortic graft infections (AGI) is challenging. Here, we report a case of AGI with splenomegaly and splenic infarction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old man who underwent total arch replacement for Stanford type A acute aortic dissection one year prior presented to our department with fever, night sweat, and a 20-kg weight loss over several months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed splenic infarction with splenomegaly, fluid collection, and thrombus around the stent graft. Positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) revealed abnormal 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the stent graft and spleen. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed no vegetations. The patient was diagnosed with an AGI and underwent graft replacement. Blood and tissue cultures in the stent graft yielded Enterococcus faecalis. After the surgery, the patient was successfully treated with antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic infarction and splenomegaly are the clinical findings of endocarditis but are rare in graft infection. These findings could be helpful to diagnose graft infections, which is often challenging.

Splenic rupture or infarction associated with Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is one of the most common pathogenic viruses in humans. EBV mononucleosis always involves the spleen and as such it predisposes to splenic rupture, often without a trauma, and splenic infarction. Nowadays the goal of management is to preserve the spleen, thereby eliminating the risk of post-splenectomy infections. METHODS: To characterise these complications and their management, we performed a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42022370268) following PRISMA guidelines in three databases: Excerpta Medica, the United States National Library of Medicine, and Web of Science. Articles listed in Google Scholar were also considered. Eligible articles were those describing splenic rupture or infarction in subjects with Epstein-Barr virus mononucleosis. RESULTS: In the literature, we found 171 articles published since 1970, documenting 186 cases with splenic rupture and 29 with infarction. Both conditions predominantly occurred in males, 60% and 70% respectively. Splenic rupture was preceded by a trauma in 17 (9.1%) cases. Approximately 80% (n = 139) of cases occurred within three weeks of the onset of mononucleosis symptoms. A correlation was found between the World Society of Emergency Surgery splenic rupture score, which was retrospectively calculated, and surgical management: splenectomy in 84% (n = 44) of cases with a severe score and in 58% (n = 70) of cases with a moderate or minor score (p = 0.001). The mortality rate of splenic rupture was 4.8% (n = 9). In splenic infarction, an underlying haematological condition was observed in 21% (n = 6) of cases. The treatment of splenic infarction was always conservative without any fatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Similarly to traumatic splenic rupture, splenic preservation is increasingly common in the management of mononucleosis-associated cases as well. This complication is still occasionally fatal. Splenic infarction often occurs in subjects with a pre-existing haematological condition.

Radiologic Findings of Single Accessory Splenic Infarction in a Patient with Accessory Spleens in the Abdominal Cavity: A Case Report.

The presence of multiple accessory spleens in the abdominal cavity is typically limited to two, with cases involving a higher number being exceedingly rare. Concurrently, accessory spleen infarction is remarkably uncommon, primarily resulting from torsion of the vascular pedicle. In this report, we present a case of a 19-year-old male who experienced infarction in one of four accessory spleens. Imaging diagnosis proved challenging, with the definitive diagnosis being made through postoperative pathology, revealing no torsion in the affected accessory spleen. Following surgery combined with anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment, the patient exhibited an uneventful recovery. No complications were observed at the 3-month follow-up. This case indicates the challenge and difficulty of diagnosing accessory splenic infarction without torsion in imaging diagnosis. Employing a multimodality approach and diffusion-weighted imaging may aid in confirming the diagnosis.

Kimura's vs Warshaw's technique for spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality studies.

BACKGROUND: Spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) represents a widely adopted procedure in the presence of benign or low-grade malignant tumors. Splenic vessels preservation and resection (Kimura and Warshaw techniques respectively) represent the two main surgical modalities to avoid splenic resection. Each one is characterized by strengths and drawbacks. The aim of the present study is to systematically review the current high-quality evidence regarding these two techniques and analyze their short-term outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA, AMSTAR II and MOOSE guidelines. The primary endpoint was to assess the incidence of splenic infarction and splenic infarction leading to splenectomy. As secondary endpoints, specific intraoperative variables and postoperative complications were explored. Metaregression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of general variables on specific outcomes. RESULTS: Seventeen high-quality studies were included in quantitative analysis. A significantly lower risk of splenic infarction for patients undergoing Kimura SPDP (OR = 0.14; p < 0.0001). Similarly, splenic vessel preservation was associated with a reduced risk of gastric varices (OR = 0.1; 95% p < 0.0001). Regarding all secondary outcome variables, no differences between the two techniques were noticed. Metaregression analysis failed to identify independent predictors of splenic infarction, blood loss, and operative time among general variables. CONCLUSIONS: Although Kimura and Warshaw SPDP have been demonstrated comparable for most of postoperative outcomes, the former resulted superior compared to the latter in reducing the risk of splenic infarction and gastric varices. For benign pancreatic tumors and low-grade malignancies Kimura SPDP may be preferred.

Complications and recovery patterns after blunt splenic injury: Recommended duration and follow-up methods.

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery embolization (SAE) is commonly employed as a non-operative management technique for splenic injury. Nonetheless, information on follow-up duration and methods, and the natural course of splenic infarction after SAE is limited. Thus, this study is aimed to analyze the patterns of complications and recovery of splenic infarction after SAE and to determine the appropriate follow-up duration and method. METHODS: Medical records of 314 patients with blunt splenic injury admitted at the Pusan National University Hospital, Level I Trauma Centre were analyzed to identify patients who underwent SAE between January 2014 and November 2018. Computed tomography (CT) scans that were obtained after SAE in patients who were followed up were compared with all their previous CT scans to identify any changes in the spleen and the occurrence of complications such as sustained bleeding, pseudoaneurysm, splenic infarctions, or abscess formation. RESULTS: Of the 314 patients, 132 who underwent SAE were included in the study. In total, 30 complications were noted among the 132 patients; of these, 7 (5.30%) required repeat embolization and 9 (6.82%) required splenectomy. Splenic infarction of <50% occurred in 76 patients and that of ≥50% including total and near-total infarctions occurred in 40 patients. Among patients with splenic infarction of ≥50%, 3 (2.27%) patients had abscesses between 16 and 21 days after SAE, and the range of infarctions increased as the AAAST-OIS grade increased. After SAE, repeat abdominal CT scans for >14 days were obtained in 75 patients; among these, 67 pre-sented with recovery of splenic infarction. The median period of recovery was 43 days after SAE. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that patients with ≥50% infarction may need 3 weeks of closed observation, with or without a follow-up CT scan, to rule out infection after SAE, follow-up CT follow-up at 6 weeks after SAE may be necessary to confirm the recovery of the spleen.