An unusual cause of septicaemia

Abstract

Splenic infarction occurs when occlusion of splenic vasculature leads to ischemia, and subsequent tissue necrosis. It is a rare condition. Most patients have an underlying haematological or malignant process or a potential source of embolism. This article describes a patient who presented with unexplained sepsis to the acute medical unit; investigation revealed a splenic abscess and primary hyperparathyroidism, but no evidence of an underlying cause.