Melioidosis splenic abscess--an unusual presentation as osteomyelitis of rib
Tan, Y.Y.; Agasthian, T.; Low, C.H.; Ang, B.S.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore 30(1): 48-50
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-4602 PMID: 11242625 Document Number: 535773
We report an unusual case of splenic melioidosis abscess presenting as osteomyelitis. A 74-year-old nondiabetic gentleman presents with a non-healing left chest wall abscess from osteomyelitis. He underwent rib resection and the infection was found to involve the underlying pleura, lung, adjacent stomach, liver and diaphragm with a splenic abscess. Splenectomy was performed. Histology showed suppurative granulomas and cultures grew Burkholderia pseudomallei. The patient recovered well with antibiotics. Melioidosis should not be forgotten as a cause of chronic suppurative infections in our endemic population.