Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2014 | Case report
Multiple aseptic splenic abscesses in a 15 year old patient
Published in: BMC Gastroenterology | Issue 1/2014
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Background
Splenic abscesses in children are rare. In recent years aseptic abscesses have been recognized as a new disease entity, especially in adults.
Case presentation
We present a rare case of a 15 year old girl with aseptic abscesses, in whom antibiotic therapy comprising metronidazole and meropenem was partly beneficial in improving the patient’s clinical condition and inflammatory parameters. Eventually corticosteroid therapy led to complete and long lasting resolution of symptoms. Further diagnostic work-up revealed autoimmune thyroiditis, but no signs of inflammatory bowel disease.
Conclusion
Aseptic splenic abscesses should always prompt clinicians to initiate further diagnostics to determine a potential underlying condition and a regular follow-up. Anaerobic bacteria may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease and besides corticosteroid treatment antibiotics covering anaerobes may be beneficial.