Splenic Abscess due Salmonella Typhimurium: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Splenic abscess is an uncommon clinical entity, often secondary to hematogenous dissemination from infective endocardi- tis or other sources. Salmonella spp., although a rare cause, can lead to splenic abscess formation, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Case Presentation: A 74-year-old male with a medical history of diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented to the emergency department with dyspnea and abdominal pain. Laboratory tests revealed significantly elevated inflamma- tory markers. Imaging studies, including abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast, identified an oval- shaped, mixed echostructure abscess in the splenic region measuring 74 x 71 mm. An ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage proce- dure yielded approximately 150 cc of purulent fluid, which was cultured for microbiological analysis. Gram staining of the culture re- vealed Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria, and further microbiological investigation identified the organism as Salmonella Enteritidis spp., later confirmed to be a monophasic variant of Salmonella Typhimurium by the Regional Salmonella Typing Center using ISO 6579-3 serotyping.