Colosplenic Fistula Following Splenic Embolization in a Sickle Cell Disease Patient

TL;DR

A rare case of a colosplenic fistula following splenic embolization in a sickle cell disease patient is reported, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare complication of colosplenic fistula after splenic embolization in a sickle cell disease patient.

Findings

The patient's spleen was entirely replaced by an abscess cavity.

Intraoperative findings confirmed the presence of colosplenic fistulae.

Splenectomy and colonic resection were required to address the complication.

Abstract

This case report details a rare instance of a colosplenic fistula following splenic embolization in a patient with sickle cell disease. The patient, a 29-year-old female, presented with symptoms of left hypochondrial pain and fever. Imaging revealed a splenic abscess characterized by an air-fluid level. Intraoperative observations disclosed that the spleen was entirely replaced by an abscess cavity, with the presence of colosplenic fistulae. A splenectomy and colonic resection were performed. This report highlights a rare complication that occurred a long time after splenic embolization, underscoring the need for a high level of suspicion to prevent serious complications.

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