Splenic infarction and malaria

Abstract

Background: Splenic infarction is a well recognised complication of malaria that has been infrequently reported in the literature.

Methods: A review was performed to describe the spectrum of characteristics associated with this complication.

Results: Most patients presented with fever, left upper quadrant pain and/or splenomegaly, but no specific symptoms or signs appear to predict underlying infarction. The majority of cases reported were associated with autochthonous Plasmodium vivax infections, whereas cases reported in travellers were mostly due to P. falciparum acquired in Africa.

Conclusion: Identification of infarction may allow specific recommendations for management, and associated complications such as splenic rupture should be excluded. Outcome is generally favourable and conservative management is the preferred option.

Keywords: Malaria; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Splenic infarction; Traveller.