Splenic infarction is a recognized sequel of a number of diseases but, until recently, it has been difficult to verify. Employing the new imaging techniques, the spleen has become diagnostically more accessible and increase in the number of splenic infarctions diagnosed must be anticipated. The commonest basic cause is cardiovascular disease but the etiology may be manifold. Whereas the infarct as such is of lesser significance, splenic abscess, eg after bacterial endocarditis, is a life-threatening condition. The treatment consists of surgical drainage and, frequently, splenectomy. The lethality is reduced from nearly 100% to approximately 10% when the correct treatment is employed.