Abstract
Splenic abscess is a rare complication in infective endocarditis. Here, we present two cases of splenic abscess associated with active infective endocarditis. Body computed tomography before emergency valvular surgery revealed abscess in the spleen. In case 1, the abscess was localized within the spleen; splenectomy and valve replacement were performed through the same median skin incision. In case 2, the splenic abscess was diagnosed as ruptured; valve replacement was performed, followed by splenectomy through a separate skin incision. No recurrence of infection occurred after surgery in either case. In surgical treatment for active infective endocarditis, body computed tomography is essential to diagnose splenic abscess preoperatively. If there is an abscess, then splenectomy and valvular surgery should be performed simultaneously to prevent reinfection after valvular surgery. The approach to the spleen should be individualized according to the extension of the abscess.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bayer AS, Bolger AF, Taubert KA, Wilson W, Steckelberg J, Karchmer AW, et al. Diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis and its complications. Circulation 1998; 98: 2936–48.
Salvo GD, Habib G, Pergola V, Avierinos JF, Philip E, Casalta JP, et al. Echocardiography predicts embolic events in infective endocarditis. J. Am Coll Cardiol 2001; 37: 1069–76.
Green BT. Splenic abscess: report of six cases and review of the literature. An Surg 2001; 67: 80–5.
Johnson JD, Raff MJ, Barnwell PA, Chun CH. Splenic abscess complicating infections endocarditis. Arch Intern Med 1983; 143: 906–12.
Chou YH, Tiu CM, Chiou HJ, Hsu CC, Chiang JH, Yu C. Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures in splenic abscess. Eur J Radiol 1998; 28: 167–70.
Smyrniotis V, Kehagias D, Fotopoulos A, Lambrou A, Kostopanagiotou G, Kostopanagiou E, et al. Splenic abscess: an old disease with new interest. Dig Surg 2000; 17: 354–7.
Ting W, Silverman NA, Arzouman DA, Levitsky S. Splenic septic emboli in endocarditis. Circulation 1990; 82 (Suppl IV): IV105–9.
Robinson SL, Saxe JM, Lucas CE, Arbulu A, Ledgerwood AM, Lucas WF. Splenic abscess associated with endocarditis. Surgery 1992; 112: 781–7.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yoshikai, M., Kamachi, M., Kobayashi, K. et al. Splenic abscess associated with active infective endocarditis. Jpn J Thorac Caridovasc Surg 50, 478–480 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02919639
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02919639