Management of embolic splenic abscess secondary to aortic valve endocarditis - case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Splenic abscess is a serious complication associated with infective endocarditis. There is still contradicting evidence regarding the optimal treatment pathway including timing of valve intervention and the approach for managing splenic foci.

Case presentation: We present a case of a hybrid staged approach in which we successfully performed a laparoscopic splenectomy following percutaneous abscess drainage and a delayed aortic valve replacement.

Conclusions: A multidisciplinary teamwork is fundamental in providing optimal care for patients with distant complications associated with infective endocarditis. Our hybrid approach seems safe and feasible.

Keywords: Endocarditis; Laparoscopic splenectomy.; Splenic abscess.