Splenic abscess following non-operative treatment of a splenic rupture caused by blunt abdominal trauma

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.

Complications of splenic injuries: expansion of the nonoperative theorem

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Delayed complications (hemorrhages, abscesses, and pseudo-aneurysms) of nonoperative management (NOM) in pediatric spleen injuries are rare but reportedly result in failure of NOM. This study was undertaken to elucidate the rate of delayed complications and their impact on NOM of splenic injuries.

METHODS

Forty children who underwent NOM of splenic injuries over 5 years were reviewed for complications and success of NOM. All injuries were diagnosed and graded by computed tomography (CT) scans. Follow-up imaging studies were obtained in all children 6 to 12 weeks postinjury; additional scans also were obtained when clinically indicated.

RESULTS

NOM was successful in all children, but 3 (7.5%) had delayed complications. A 3 year old with a grade III splenic injury and a distal pancreatic transection, and a 13 year old with a grade IV injury had pseudoaneurysms, which were noted on follow-up CT scan (14 days postinjury). The pseudoaneurysms were treated expectantly and resolved spontaneously. A 16 year old (grade IV injury) had a splenic abscess 8 days postinjury that was drained percutaneously with CT guidance.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of delayed complications may not preclude successful NOM of pediatric spleen injuries. Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms in children appear to resolve spontaneously without intervention.

[Surgical abstention in closed injuries of the spleen]

Splenic conservation avoids the overwhelming postsplenectomy infection. The high percentage of patients treated by noninvasive procedures would be due to the simple clinical course of splenic trauma and precision of diagnosis, using CT scan. Only clinical evaluation could provide further information on the indications for surgical treatment, as there is no available score regarding the value of CT scan for choosing the therapeutical option. Non-operative management of splenic ruptures should be considered in selected patients in whom hemodynamics is stable and closely monitored.