Two cases of fulminant pneumococcal infection showing confirmation of Howell-Jolly body in peripheral erythrocytes and spleen hypoplasia

Abstract

Some reports have shown that pneumococcal infection became fulminant in cases who were splenectomized or showing splenic hypoplasia. In two cases that demonstrated fulminant pneumococcal infection, Howell-Jolly body was confirmed in peripheral erythrocytes and spleen hypoplasia was shown on abdominal CT. One patinet was saved but the other patient died of sepsis and DIC. It is possible that confirmation of Howell-Jolly body and spleen hypoplasia is useful to screen for a high risk group of spleen dysfunction and fulminant pneumococcal infection.