The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology (Oct 2018)

Asymptomatic Splenic Cysts in an Immunocompromised Patient: Should They Be Investigated

  • Hyunjung Hwang,
  • Myong Ki Baeg,
  • Pumsoo Kim,
  • Yu Jin Kim,
  • Seok Hyung Kang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2018.72.4.209
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 72, no. 4
pp. 209 – 212

Abstract

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Splenic abscess is a rare disease that generally occurs in immunocompromised patients. It is difficult to distinguish between splenic abscesses and cysts using imaging studies, especially if they are asymptomatic. A 50-year-old asymptomatic man who had received steroid therapy for underlying rheumatoid arthritis was referred to a university hospital due to presence of several splenic cysts, with the largest being 3.5 cm in diameter. Percutaneous aspiration was performed, and fluid analysis showed cysts infected by extended-spectrum, beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. The patient was treated with ertapenem for four weeks, and the lesion disappeared on follow-up imaging studies. Splenic abscess should be included as a differential diagnosis of splenic cystic lesions in immunocompromised patients.

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