Splenic Abscess Detection and Monitoring Using Sonography

The finding of a splenic abscess is rare, with only 500 to 600 cases ever having been reported internationally. Prior to the advent of sonography and computed tomography, the survival rate for an individual with a splenic abscess was 0%. Present-day real-time imaging with sonography allows for accurate diagnosis of an abscess in the spleen versus rupture, hematoma, splenomegaly, or cyst within the spleen or left kidney. Until recently, the prescribed treatment was splenectomy. The increased understanding of splenic abscess etiology and advancements in pharmacology have allowed the treatment to progress from surgical removal of the entire spleen to draining the abscess using fine-needle aspiration with the use of strong broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics.