Ten-year series of splenic abscesses in a general hospital in Singapore.
BACKGROUND
Splenic abscess is an uncommon clinical problem. Traditionally, the "gold standard" treatment has been splenectomy. However, there is increasing use of non-operative treatments worldwide.


METHODS
A 10-year (1996-2005) retrospective review of case records from a single centre (an 800-bed general hospital) was performed. Information regarding demographics, clinical presentation, aetiological agents and management was gathered and analysed.


RESULTS
There were 21 cases from 1996 to 2005. Nineteen (90%) had multiple abscesses. Disseminated melioidosis was the most common aetiological agent (15 cases, 71%). Only 3 patients underwent splenectomy. The remainder were treated conservatively with antibiotics. Almost all the patients (19, 90%) also suffered from diabetes mellitus.


CONCLUSIONS
The most common aetiological agent encountered was Burkholderia pseudomallei. Diabetes mellitus may be an important co-factor in the pathogenesis of splenic abscesses. The majority of our patients were managed conservatively and splenectomy was only occasionally required.
Ng
Chee Yung
CY
Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. cheeyungng@yahoo.com
Leong
E Chuan
EC
Chng
Hong Chee
HC
D000038:Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008554:Melioidosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents