Disseminated infection with Bartonella henselae as a cause of spontaneous splenic rupture

Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Aug 1;39(3):e21-4. doi: 10.1086/422001. Epub 2004 Jul 9.

Abstract

A 65-year-old man developed massive hemoperitoneum secondary to spontaneous splenic rupture. Histopathological analysis of the spleen demonstrated necrotizing granulomas. Results of serological tests indicated infection with a species of Bartonella, and immunohistochemical staining established Bartonella henselae as the cause of splenitis. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of spontaneous splenic rupture caused by infection with a species of Bartonella.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiomatosis, Bacillary
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Bartonella Infections / complications*
  • Bartonella Infections / diagnosis
  • Bartonella henselae* / immunology
  • Bartonella henselae* / isolation & purification
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Granuloma / microbiology
  • Hemoperitoneum / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymph Nodes / microbiology
  • Male
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / microbiology
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / pathology
  • Spleen / microbiology
  • Splenic Rupture / microbiology*
  • Splenic Rupture / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial