A case report of splenic infarction secondary to atherosclerosis of the splenic artery

Abstract

Splenic infarcts are uncommon and may not be readily considered in the emergency department, as the clinical presentation often mimics acute abdominal pain. While atherosclerotic damage commonly occurs at the abdominal aorta and its branching parts**, it can also affect the splenic artery, potentially leading to splenic infarction. Although it is widely acknowledged that the abdominal aorta and its branches are the most common sites for atherosclerotic damage, atherosclerosis of the splenic artery can also be an etiological factor for splenic infarction, leading to impaired blood flow in the spleen. Splenic infarction represents a clinical scenario that is not frequently encountered, and its presentation can resemble other causes of acute abdominal pain. This case report describes a patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with abdominal pain and was subsequently diagnosed with splenic infarction secondary to atherosclerosis of the splenic artery.

Keywords

• abdominal pain
• atherosclerotic
• case report
• splenic infarction