Splenic abscess in an infant caused by Streptococcus intermedius

J Infect Chemother. 2007 Dec;13(6):423-5. doi: 10.1007/s10156-007-0561-4. Epub 2007 Dec 25.

Abstract

We report a 20-month-old girl with splenic abscess. The patient was admitted to our hospital because of persistent high fever and abdominal pain. Laboratory data showed leucocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein levels. Abdominal computed tomography showed multiple low-density lesions in the spleen. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of splenic abscess. She was successfully treated with ultrasonographically guided percutaneous drainage for 11 days and intravenous antibiotic for 17 days. On culture, aspirated fluid from the abscess grew Streptococcus intermedius. This case illustrates that the differential diagnosis of unknown-focus infection in infants should include splenic abscess. We recommend conservative therapy (antibiotics and drainage) as first-line therapy for splenic abscess in pediatric patients, based on the importance of the immunological functions of the spleen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Abdominal Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Abdominal Abscess / microbiology
  • Abdominal Abscess / therapy*
  • Drainage / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Splenic Diseases / microbiology
  • Splenic Diseases / therapy*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / therapy*
  • Streptococcus intermedius / drug effects
  • Streptococcus intermedius / isolation & purification
  • Tomography
  • Ultrasonography