Left pleural effusion: masking subphrenic abscess--caused by Salmonella enteritidis serotype Heidelberg.

The authors describe a young girl presenting with fever and respiratory distress and a chest x-ray showing a left lower lobe infiltrate and an effusion. She also had splenomegaly. Salmonella enteritidis serotype Heidelberg was isolated by thoracentesis. Further evaluation disclosed an occult but large left subphrenic abscess, explaining the misleading presentation and radiograph. A review of salmonella infections associated with subphrenic abscess is discussed.