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

J Korean Med Sci. 2005 Apr;20(2):313-5. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2005.20.2.313.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

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