Percutaneous drainage and staged valve replacement followed by laparoscopic splenectomy in infective endocarditis with splenic abscess

Splenic abscess is a severe complication of infective endocarditis. The need for splenectomy to control prosthetic valve infection remains controversial. Here, we present the case of a 49-year-old man who complained of fever and general fatigue. Blood cultures grew Group G Streptococcus, and intravenous antibiotics were started. Abdominal computed tomography showed splenic abscess; thus, percutaneous drainage was performed. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a mobile vegetation on the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve with mild aortic regurgitation. The patient underwent aortic valve replacement using a 23-mm SJM Regent mechanic valve, followed by laparoscopic splenectomy 3 days later. The patient was asymptomatic without recurrence of infection 13 months postoperatively. Current guidelines recommend that splenectomy should be performed first, followed by valve replacement. However, we performed valve surgery first because of the risk of embolism. Depending on the patient's condition, performing splenic drainage and valve replacement first may be considered.

Successful Repair of Superior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm with Reconstruction of Branches

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysms (SMAAs) are rare and potentially life-threatening. Whether surgical or endovascular repair is performed, mesenteric ischemic complication is the greatest concern. A 56-year-old gentleman with SMAA underwent surgical resection with reconstruction of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and its branches using the great saphenous vein with several techniques, including island reconstruction of the branches, staged segmental cross-clamping, and an external shunt, to reduce the mesenteric ischemia time. The postoperative course was uneventful with no signs of mesenteric ischemia. A computed tomography scan showed that all grafts to the SMA and its branches were patent.