Splenic abscess diagnosed with the aid of abdominal computerized tomography: report of 2 cases

Two patients with splenic abscess successfully diagnosed and treated are described. The first case, a diabetic, developed a pyogenic abscess caused by klebsiella, while the other suffered a splenic infarct complicated by splenic abscess. Although relatively easy to treat, solitary abscess of the spleen is a potentially lethal condition due to diagnostic difficulties. In both present instances the final diagnosis was easily achieved before surgery by the aid of computerized tomography (CT). This investigation seems to be more accurate than 99Tcsup(m)-sulphur colloid scan and ultrasound scan, which failed in both cases to diagnose splenic abscess clearly. The use of this investigation is suggested in every suspected case and will no doubt, confirm the diagnosis at an early stage of the disease. Splenectomy with antibiotic cover will usually result in cure. (author)