A 53-year-old male suffered splenic infarction etiologically related t
o atrial fibrillation and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The main clinical manifestations were a one-month history of epigastr
ic and left upper quadrant pain, with tenderness to palpation in the l
ater zone. Laboratory tests revealed a slight leucocytosis (14.700) wi
th left shift and a marked increase in LDH concentration (945 IU), Abd
ominal CAT and arteriography established the diagnosis, Echography pro
ved normal. Patient evolution was satisfactory with conservative medic
al treatment. We conclude that splenic infarction should be considered
in all cases of acute or chronic pain in the left hypochondrium. The
diagnosis is established by CAT, arteriography and hepatosplenic gamma
graphy. Medical management is initially advocated, surgery being reser
ved for those cases involving complications or in which diagnosis is n
ot clear, Emphasis is placed on the main etiological, clinical, diagno
stic and management characteristics of splenic infarction.