SPLENIC ABSCESS IN PATIENT WITH CHRONIC PANCREATITIS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

<jats:p>The abscess of the spleen is a rare condition with diverse аetiologies and highly polymorphic clinical expression. It is more common in male than female patient, with a wide age range. Regarding varied and often unspecific symptomatology it poses a great problem for diagnostic and overall treatment with a very high mortality rate in untreated patients. Recent diagnosis and treatment are based on modern imaging techniques that enable precise and rapid diagnostics. The following is a presentation of a case that refers to a young male patient with splenic abscess. CASE REPORT. A 37-year-old patient with a history of hypertensive crisis and multiple previous admittances to the emergency room regarding acute attacks of pancreatitis and persistent reduction in body weight was admitted to the emergency room with nonspecific symptoms of abdominal pain, more prominent in the upper left quadrant. Laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis and elevated levels of CRP. Infective panel for hepatitis and HIV was negative. Additional ultrasound investigations were made which revealed hypoechogenic lesion in the spleen, clearly demarcated from the neighboring parenchyma and partially encapsulated, with near proximity to the tail of the pancreas. Hospitalization with additional MRI and surgical treatment was advised, but the patient refused and contrary to the advice of the doctor decided to leave the hospital. After 10 days he was again admitted to the emergency room with persistent leukocytosis and elevated CRP. Because of the worsening condition, he accepted the previously proposed treatment and was hospitalized. The conducted MRI investigation revealed three cystic lesions with dense content in the spleen, measuring from 5x3sm to 2sm in diameter with propagation towards the tail of the pancreas. Surgical splenectomy with partial pancreatectomy was performed, and the surgical specimen was forwarded for histopathological examination. The microscopic examination on the selected specimens revealed severe stasis in the splenic parenchyma with subcapsular abscess formation, and also confirmed the chronic pancreatitis condition. The postoperative course went well without any complications, as well as on the following regular checkups. DISCUSSION. Splenic abscess is very uncommon entity associated with versatile etiologies which covers primary immunocompromised patients, trauma or patients with infective endocarditis. As a potentially life-threatening condition it is essential to emphasize the need for fast detection and splenectomy as a choice of treatment. But also it is very important as a potential aetiology to have in mind other chronic conditions like pancreatitis, especially in young male patients, given that management of the underlying disease is of great importance.</jats:p>