Splenic Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

An accumulation of pus that develops in the spleen, which is an organ found on the upper left side of the abdomen, is known as a splenic abscess.

• Cryptogenic Splenic Abscess: It is an abscess caused when the source of infection is not known and it is the most common type of splenic abscess. It is typically caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli.
• Hematogenous Splenic Abscess: It is an abscess caused by an infection that has spread from another site in the body via the bloodstream, such as a lung or kidney infection. Those with poor immune systems or recent surgery are more susceptible to develop this abscess.
• Traumatic Splenic Abscess: It is an abscess caused by trauma to the spleen, such as a motor vehicle accident or a deep cut from a sharp object. This can cause internal bleeding and lead to an infection in the spleen that results in an abscess.
• Parasitic Splenic Abscess: It is an abscess caused by parasites, such as amoebas or worms, which enter the spleen through the bloodstream. This type of abscess can be found in tropical climates where these parasites are more common and can be difficult to diagnose and treat due to their elusive nature.
• Malignancy Related Splenic Abscess: It is an abscess caused by cancer cells that have spread from another site in the body and lodged themselves in the spleen to form an abscess. This type of splenic abscess can be difficult to diagnose since it often mimics other types of splenic abscesses and may require imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans for confirmation.

Splenic abscesses are typically caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly due to salmonella and E. coli.

Other less common causes of splenic abscess include:-

• Spread of infection from other areas of the body: Infection can spread to the spleen via the bloodstream or lymphatic system from other areas of the body, such as the lungs, abdomen, or urinary tract.
• Parasitic infection: Parasitic infections such as malaria or schistosomiasis can cause splenic abscesses.
• Abdominal trauma: Injury to the spleen from an auto accident or other trauma can cause an abscess to form in the spleen.
• Blood clots: Blood clots that form in veins near the spleen can cause inflammation and lead to an abscess in the spleen.

• Abdominal pain is the main sign of a splenic abscess.This pain is usually located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, which is the area around the left side of the rib cage.
• Other symptoms may include fever, chills, night sweats, nausea and vomiting.
• Splenic abscesses may also result in splenomegaly, which can give the upper left abdomen a sense of fullness or pain.
• In rare cases, the infection may spread to other organs such as the lungs, causing shortness of breath or chest pain.

• To avoid splenic abscess, one must first lead a healthy lifestyle. This involves maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco use, and getting adequate sleep.Avoiding contact with infectious agents is important in preventing splenic abscess. Vaccinations are essential for preventing diseases caused by bacteria and viruses that might result in spleen infection.
• Preventing splenic abscess requires early detection and treatment of underlying medical problems. People with diabetes should manage their blood sugar levels closely and follow their doctor’s advice for managing other chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS or cancer.
• Good hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap and water after using the bathroom, before preparing food, or after coming into contact with someone who is sick can help reduce the risk of infection from germs that can cause splenic abscesses.
• In cases where there is an increased risk of infection due to a medical procedure such as a biopsy or surgery, antibiotics may be prescribed before, during, and after the procedure as a preventive measure against infection of the spleen or other organs.

• Blood tests: Signs of infection, including a high white blood cell count, may be detected using a complete blood count (CBC) or similar blood tests.
• Imaging: Abcesses in the abdomen may be seen and diagnosed with the use of imaging tests including CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
• Aspiration: During an aspiration procedure, a needle is inserted into the abscess to draw out some of the fluid for analysis. The kind of bacteria causing the illness and the need of antibiotic treatment may be ascertained in this manner.
• Culture: A sample of the aspirated fluid is submitted to a laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing. This can help determine which type of bacteria is present and which antibiotics will be effective in treating it.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a small piece of tissue may be taken from the abscess during an aspiration procedure or by surgical removal and sent to a laboratory for further testing.

• Sepsis: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of splenic abscess, which occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream.
• Ruptured abscess: A ruptured abscess can cause severe abdominal pain and anaemia. If the infection spreads to other organs in the body or to the bloodstream it can be life-threatening.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a common complication of splenic abscess that can occur when bacteria from the abscess enter the lungs and cause an infection.
• Portal vein thrombosis: Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of splenic abscesses that can occur when an abscess puts pressure on the portal vein which carries blood from the intestines to the liver. This can result in blockage or obstruction of the vein which may lead to liver failure if left untreated.

• Take tulsi leaves and neem leaves, mix them and make a paste. Apply this paste on the abscess area.
• Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drink it thrice daily.
• Make a paste of ginger, pepper and turmeric powder and apply it on the abscess area.
• Prepare a decoction of cinnamon bark, cardamom pods, coriander seeds and black peppercorns in equal quantities and drink it twice daily for relief from pain associated with splenic abscess.
• Make a mixture of honey, pepper powder, ginger juice and lemon juice and take it two times daily for relief from pain caused due to splenic abscess.
• Consume fruits such as apples, pomegranates, oranges etc to increase immunity levels which will aid in curing the abscess quickly.

• A diet for people with splenic abscess must include foods that are low in fat and easy to digest.
• Foods such as plain cooked grains, cooked vegetables, soft fruits, and broth based soups should be consumed.
• Moreover, lean protein sources like fish, eggs, and tofu must be incorporated into one's diet.
• Low sugar drinks such as water, herbal tea or decaffeinated coffee should also be consumed throughout the day to keep hydrated.

• High-fibre foods: Foods high in fibre like beans, raw fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and whole grains can be difficult to digest and may increase intestinal gas production, which can cause pain in the abdomen.
• Fried or fatty foods: Eating fried or fatty foods may increase symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and gas.
• Dairy products: Dairy products may lead to increased mucus production and worsen symptoms of abdominal pain and nausea associated with splenic abscess.
• Soda and other carbonated beverages: Carbonated drinks can lead to increased gas production in the stomach and worsen abdominal pain from a splenic abscess.
• Spicy foods: Spicy foods can increase inflammation in the body and worsen abdominal pain and nausea associated with a splenic abscess.

• Percutaneous drainage: A small incision is made in the skin and a tube is inserted to remove fluid from the abscess.
• Surgical drainage: Incisions are made in the abdomen to drain the abscess.
• Splenectomy: If the spleen is significantly damaged or there is a considerable danger of infection, it may be necessary to remove the organ.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat and prevent infection, as well as reduce pain and inflammation associated with the abscess.

Your primary care physician may refer you to this type of specialist if they are not able to provide an accurate diagnosis or treatment plan for your condition.

Additionally, a gastroenterologist may also be consulted as they specialise in diseases of the digestive system and may be able to provide further information or treatments for your condition.

• Antibiotics: A kind of medication that is used to treat ailments that are brought on by bacteria. Examples include cephalosporins, penicillins, and fluoroquinolones.
• Analgesics: A class of drugs used to relieve pain. Examples include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
• Corticosteroids: A class of drugs used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the spleen. Examples include prednisone and hydrocortisone.
• Antifungals: A class of drugs used to treat fungal infections in the spleen. Examples include fluconazole and ketoconazole.
• Antiviral Agents: A class of drugs used to treat viral infections in the spleen. Examples include acyclovir and valacyclovir.
• Immunosuppressants: A class of drugs that suppress the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation in the spleen and other organs affected by Splenic Abscesses. Examples include cyclosporine and tacrolimus.

Recovery from a splenic abscess typically takes several weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health.

With proper treatment and care, most people can make a full recovery from a splenic abscess in about 6-8 weeks.

No, the results of treatment for splenic abscess are not permanent. Splenic abscesses can recur after treatment due to persistent infection or underlying conditions that cause the abscess to form.

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve symptoms, and prevent further complications from the abscess.

• After successful treatment of splenic abscess, it is important to follow up with your doctor and keep up with regular check-ups.
• Closely monitor vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure to ensure that the infection has been completely eliminated.
• Always be sure to take all of your prescriptions exactly as recommended, including antibiotics and any additional medicines that may be necessary in order to stop the infection from returning.
• Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least a few weeks after treatment to allow the body to heal properly.
• Keep good hygiene habits, like washing your hands often and staying away from people with contagious illnesses, because this could cause an infection in the spleen to come back.
• Follow a healthy diet which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products to help strengthen the immune system and prevent future infections from occurring in the spleen or elsewhere in the body.
• Avoid contact sports or activities that involve heavy lifting until you are cleared by your doctor to resume normal activity levels again to ensure complete recovery.

In India, the cost of treating splenic abscess depends on how bad the condition is and what kind of treatment is needed.

Generally, costs can range from around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. Treatment typically includes antibiotics, drainage and/or surgery, hospitalisation, and follow-up care.

• Acute pain: The most common side effect of treating a splenic abscess is severe acute pain in the area of the abscess. This is because the treatment often involves draining the abscess which can cause significant discomfort.
• Infection: Another possible side effect of treating a splenic abscess is infection at the site of the drainage, or even systemic infection if bacteria from the abscess enters the bloodstream. Antibiotics may be given to lower this risk.
• Bleeding: Bleeding can occur if an artery or vein is injured during drainage of an abscess, and this can result in life-threatening blood loss if not addressed quickly.
• Scarring: Scarring at the site where an incision was made for drainage of a splenic abscess is also possible, although this usually resolves over time with proper wound care and healing.

If you have problems related to a Splenic Abscess, you should see a doctor right away. These problems can lead to complications like 'sepsis, pneumonia, and portal vein thrombosis,' which can take anywhere from a few months to years to treat, depending on how bad the case is.