Massive Splenic Infarction Abscess in A Teenager with Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Report in Northern Benin

Abstract

Introduction: Splenic abscess is rare in children. This report discusses a case of splenic abscess complicating an infarction in a teenager at the Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori in Benin Republic. Patient and Observation: The patient was a 14-year-old teenager with hemoglobinopathy (SC), admitted to the pediatric department for generalized abdominal pain associated with fever and a dry cough. On physical examination, he presented with an infectious syndrome, generalized abdominal pain, highly sensitive splenomegaly, left lung consolidation, and severe malnutrition. Abdominal ultrasound and thoraco-abdominal CT-scan revealed a splenic infarction abscess. Following medical treatment, which included broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and analgesia, a total splenectomy was performed. During surgery, the spleen appeared greyish and contained pus, which, upon cytobacteriological examination, isolated a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain sensitive to the combination of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The patient showed favorable evolution under this treatment. Conclusion: Splenic abscess should be suspected in any subject with sickle cell disease presenting with painful and febrile splenomegaly.