Splenic infarction in pregnancy

We present a case of splenic infarction in pregnancy secondary to acute bac terial endocarditis, Left upper quadrant pain in pregnancy can be due to a variety of causes and in the septic or unwell patient, splenic infarct shou ld be considered in the differential diagnosis. The diagnosis of splenic in farct should be considered especially in those at increased risk of bacteri al endocarditis. Acute bacterial endocarditis can occur even in patients wi thout any risk factors, Bacterial endocarditis is rare in pregnancy and spl enic infarction is even rarer. How ever when it occurs, rapid diagnosis and management are necessary to minimize embolic phenomena. With the increasin g use of intravenous drugs and with increasing numbers of Pacific Islanders in our pregnant population, it is important to be alert to the risk of bac terial endocarditis and to avoid serious sequelae. Patient education to the importance of medical follow-up in order to prevent such a life-threatenin g condition, and to avoid more complicated acute treatment, is imperative.