Splenectomy and valve replacement in patients with infective endocarditis and splenic abscesses

In patients with infective endocarditis (IE) splenic involvement is a rare but well known complication. Management of patients with IE and splenic abscesses is still a challenging and controversial matter. We report 3 patients with IE and a splenic abscess who underwent successful valve replacement and splenectomy. Our experience confirms that in such patients valve surgery combined with splenectomy can be performed with excellent results during the same hospitalization. Timing of splenectomy and type of surgical approach should be based mainly on stability of patients hemodynamic conditions.