Clinical Manifestations of Splenic Abscess
Disease description:
During this period, my father has been experiencing abdominal pain. After a hospital examination, he was diagnosed with a splenic abscess. I would like to ask, what are the clinical manifestations of a splenic abscess?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
As a relatively severe infectious disease, splenic abscess presents with a variety of clinical manifestations, which can primarily be summarized as follows:
1. Fever: Persistent high fever is one of the most common symptoms of splenic abscess, with body temperature often reaching 39–40°C.
2. Left upper quadrant abdominal pain: The pain may be dull, distending, or severe, and sometimes radiates to the left shoulder or back. The pain may intensify as the abscess enlarges.
3. Splenomegaly: Approximately 50% of patients may have a palpable enlarged spleen in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, accompanied by localized tenderness, rebound tenderness, and muscle guarding.
4. Fatigue and weight loss: Due to the physical toll of the disease, patients may experience general fatigue and possible weight loss.
5. Elevated white blood cell count: Blood tests show increased total white blood cell count and elevated neutrophil percentage, reflecting the body's inflammatory response.
6. Localized symptoms: Such as left-sided pleural effusion or pneumonia, which may indicate rupture of the abscess into the pleural cavity or infection of adjacent tissues.
Patients suspected of having splenic abscess are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
