BRUCELLOSIS - INDICATIONS FOR SPLENECTOMY

Brucellosis is discussed with special emphasis on splenic involvement and indications for surgical treatment. Two cases are presented. The first illustrates a chronic localized caseating focus of disease in the spleen with symptoms referable to the enlargement of that organ and intermittent febrile episodes. Complete recovery ensued with splenectomy. The second case is representative of the acute disease. The unusual occurrence of secondary hypersplenism probably resulted in thrombocytopenia and massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Splenectomy was a valuable adjunct in the treatment of this complication with brucellosis. © 1968.