Splenic abscess due to Clostridium septicum in a patient with multiple myeloma.

Solitary abscesses of the spleen may occur as a consequence of septicemia from various septic foci, particularly intra-abdominal sites. A variety of causative organisms, including the clostridia, have been isolated. We have described a patient with multiple myeloma who had a solitary splenic abscess due to Clostridium septicum and who failed to survive despite seemingly appropriate treatment.

Post-traumatic intestinal obstruction.

The roentgenographic and pathologic findings in three patients with delayed post-traumatic intestinal obstruction are described. The pertinent literature also is reviewed to delineate the variable pathophysiology of the clinical phenomenon. As a result of the increasing incidence of blunt trauma in our society, the problem of occult intra-abdominal injury resulting in subsequent clinical disease always should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting later with intestinal complaints.