Splenic Abscess Complicating Scrub Typhus Induced Splenic Infarct - A Rare Case Report

ABSTRACT

Any condition leading to the interruption of blood flow to the spleen, such as blockage in the splenic artery due to a plaque or a clot in one of its branches leads to Splenic Infarction. It could also be due to infection, trauma, disseminated intravascular coagulation and vasculitis. The complications of splenic Infarct include pseudocyst, haemorrhage, rupture, aneurysm and rarely abscess formation due to infection of the infarcted region. Splenic abscess is a rare and potentially lethal clinical condition. We present a case of a 24-year-old male who was diagnosed with splenic infarct because of scrub typhus and later developed splenic abscess.Spleen is a lymphatic organ present in the left hypochondrium of the abdomen. It filters and stores the red cells, produces white blood cells and scavenges microorganisms like bacteria. Any condition leading to the interruption of blood flow to the spleen could cause an infarct. The infarction could be classified as partial or complete based on the extent of involvement. The area of the spleen which had loss of blood supply leading to the death of the area is called splenic Infarct. It could also be due to infection, trauma or certain diseases. Rarely splenic infarcts may lead to formation of abscess. The most commonly occurring symptoms of a splenic abscess pain in the abdomen, fever and nausea are not specific to splenic abscess.[1] Hematogenous spread is the most common cause of splenic abscess.[2]