Spontaneous Splenic Infarction as an Uncommon Cause of Fever in a Cirrhotic Patient

• Main Authors: Chun-Han Cheng, Ming-Jong Bair
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taiwan Society of Geriatric Emergency and Critical Medicine (TSGECM) 2017-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Gerontology
• Subjects: splenic infarction; cirrhosis
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1873959817301394

Spontaneous splenic infarction is a relative rare disease and usually happens in patients with some disorders that have potential of thromboembolism formation. The symptoms are often subclinical and non-specific so physicians easily forget this diagnosis. However, splenic infarction could cause destructive consequences such as hemorrhagic shock, especially in old or weak patients. In this article, we present one case with fever and unexplained abdominal pain; the patient was ultimately diagnosed spontaneous splenic infarction. Although early suspicion or diagnosis may be challenged, physicians should remember this disease and arrange associated investigation to make correct management.