Multiple splenic abscesses in 2 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

Intern Med. 2012;51(12):1573-7. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.7267. Epub 2012 Jun 15.

Abstract

Splenic abscess is a rare clinical condition with a high mortality rate. Multiple splenic abscesses, rather than a solitary abscess, are present in immunocompromised states including hematological malignancies. As symptoms of splenic abscesses, fever and abdominal pain, are non-specific, timely and adequate use of imaging studies is crucial for early diagnosis. We report the cases of 2 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and multiple splenic abscesses. Notwithstanding the higher mortality rate of patients with multiple splenic abscesses as compared with those with a solitary splenic abscess, we successfully treated the 2 patients by using antibiotic therapy and fine needle aspiration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications*
  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / therapy
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / complications*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / immunology
  • Splenic Diseases / complications*
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Splenic Diseases / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents