Size may vary from microscopic dimensions to visible lesions up to as much as 3 cm in diameter. Chronic abscesses may have a we1l defined capsule of reactive fibrosis. Most commonly seen at autopsy as microscopic lesions in immunocompromised cases. Clinical setting is sepsis. Cases of infective endocarditis may also show microabscesses.
Abscesses complicating infected sutures securing a prosthetic valve are usually grossly obvious.
The clinical picture is that of sepsis, and, possibly, a mechanically failing prosthesis with insufficiency of the valve. Cotran RS et.al. Search Medline at National Library of Medicine Please be patient during transfer. Medline will open in a new window.