Splenic abscess associated with endocarditis in a patient on hemodialysis: a case report.

Abstract

Splenic abscess is an unusual condition usually seen in immunocompromised patients or associated with intravenous drug abuses. Several conditions including trauma, immunodeficiency, corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive therapy and diabetes mellitus have been listed under the predisposing factors for a splenic abscess. Splenic abscess in a patient on hemodialysis is a rare but life-threatening condition if not corrected. We describe a case of splenic abscess with bacterial endocarditis on maintenance hemodialysis. He had staphylococcal septicemia secondary to bacterial endocarditis at the mitral valve from the dialysis access-site infection. Although hematologic seeding from endocarditis has been the predisposing factor for splenic abscess, we postulate that access-site infections may predispose hemodialysis patients to splenic abscess. Splenic abscess may be considered as one of the causes when patients on hemodialysis develop unexplained fever.

• Authors: Hyun Soo Kim, Min Seok Cho, Seung Hwan Hwang, Seong Kwon Ma, Soo Wan Kim, Nam Ho Kim, Ki Chul Choi
• Journal: Journal of Korean medical science (J Korean Med Sci) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 313-5 (Apr 2005) ISSN: 1011-8934 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 15832007 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Abscess (diagnostic imaging, etiology, pathology)
• Aged
• Endocarditis, Bacterial (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Renal Dialysis (adverse effects)
• Splenic Diseases (diagnostic imaging, etiology, pathology)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed