Pyogenic liver abscess: a retrospective analysis of 107 patients during a 3-year period

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a potentially life-threatening disease, and early diagnosis may be difficult. In order to provide diagnostic clues and to enhance the prompt management of such cases, we retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics of PLA during a 3-year period in a tertiary-care hospital. The crude incidence rate of PLA in our study was 446.1 per 100,000 hospital admissions. Male predominance and a mean age of 57.6 +/- 14.4 years were observed. Diabetes mellitus was the most common concomitant disease, and biliary pathologies were the most common predisposing cause of this type of abscess. The most common clinical features were fever, chills, and abdominal pain. Leukocytosis was found in 67.3% of the patients, and the observed C-reactive protein (CRP) values were high. The most common pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae. The mortality rate was 6.5%. A complete history, physical examination, evaluation of the white blood cell count and CRP, and the prompt arrangement of imaging studies may lead to an earlier diagnosis. The aggressive performance of image-guided catheter drainage and the appropriate administration of antibiotics may reduce the mortality rate of PLA.     

Successful treatment of liver abscess secondary to foreign body penetration of the alimentary tract: A case report and literature review

Hepatic abscess caused by foreign body penetration of the alimentary tract is rare.We report a case of gastric antrum penetration due to a toothpick complicated by liver abscess formation.A 41-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaint of upper abdominal pain for 2 mo.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed at a local clinic revealed a toothpick penetrating the gastric antrum.Computed tomography(CT)of the abdomen at our hospital revealed a gastricforeign body embedded in the posterior wall of gastric antrum with regional phlegmon over the lesser sac and adhesion to the pancreatic body without notable vascular injury,and a hepatic abscess seven cm in diameter over the left liver lobe.Endoscopic removal of the foreign body was successfully performed without complication.The liver abscess was treated with parenteral antibiotics without drainage.The patient’s recovery was uneventful.Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated complete resolution of the hepatic abscess six months after discharge.Relevant literature from the PubMed database was reviewed and the clinical presentations,diagnostic modalities,treatment strategies and outcomes of 88 reported cases were analyzed.The results showed that only 6 patients received conservative treatment with parenteral antibiotics,while the majority underwent either image-guided abscess drainage or laparotomy.Patients receiving abscess drainage via laparotomy had a significantly shorter length of hospitalization compared with those undergoing imageguided drainage.There was no significant difference in age between those who survived and those who died,however,the latter presented to hospitals in a more critical condition than the former.The overall mortality rate was 7.95%.     

Liver abscess complicating transcatheter arterial embolization: a rare but serious complication. A retrospective study after 3878 procedures

OBJECTIVES: Liver abscess is one of the complications of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for hepatocellular carcinoma. We studied the clinical features and analysed the incidence, risk factors, helpful clinical clues, culture profiles and predictive factors of post-TAE liver abscess. The influence of abscess development on the evolution of the tumour process was also studied. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of 3878 TAE procedures performed over a 6 year period. RESULTS: Ten cases of liver abscess developed in nine patients (eight males and one female). The incidence was 0.26% (10 episodes/3878 procedures). The main clinical presentations included fever (91.7%), chills (50%) and abdominal pain (33.3%). All but one febrile patient presented fever in a recurrent form. The positive culture rates were 41.7% for blood and 83.3% for pus. Gram negative bacteria were found in 80% of blood cultures and 68% of pus cultures. Polymicrobial infections were encountered in 60% of the blood cultures and 70% of pus cultures. Management included antibiotics, drainage and operation. Four patients died due to the direct complications of liver abscess. One patient experienced total tumour resolution after successful treatment for liver abscess. Patients with larger liver abscesses and patients with greater age carried higher mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: Liver abscess is a rare complication after TAE for hepatocellular carcinoma. Recurrent fevers after an initial symptom free interval should arouse suspicion of an abscess. The mortality is high and a large abscess and higher age predict an unfavourable outcome. Abscess formation can lead to complete tumour resolution.     

Liver Abscess in Crohn's Disease

Liver abscess is a rare but serious complication of Crohn's disease. Intra-abdominai abscesses, fistulous disease, and metronidazole or steroid therapy have all been reported to be important predisposing factors in the pathogenesis of the disease, and the mortality has been reported to he high. We report six patients who developed a liver abscess as a complication of Crohn's disease. Three patients presented with a liver abscess as the first manifestation of Crohn's disease and two others bad quiescent disease at presentation. Ibe diagnosis was delayed by 1–8 wk after the onset of fever because of the paucity of signs indicating a bepatic infection. None of the patients had intra-abdominal abscesses, active fistulas, or metronidazole therapy before the onset of symptoms. The only predisposing conditions identified were two minor skin infections in patients developing staphylococcal liver abscesses. Nonoperative catheter drainage was successful in four of the six patients. One patient required surgical placement of drains, and the patient with the longest delay before diagnosis required hepatic lobectomy because of extensive necrosis. Shaking chills, fever with leukocytosis, and an elevated alkaline phosphatase are suggestive of a liver abscess and should prompt an ultrasound examination. Catheter drainage with antibiotic therapy is effective if the liver abscess is diagnosed before extensive necrosis has occurred. Minor skin infections may predispose to stapbylococcal liver abscess in some cases.     

A case of Salmonella liver abscess]

Liver abscess can be caused by bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection. Amebic abscesses are more common, but pyogenic abscesses account for three quarters of hepatic abscess in developed countries. Most common pathogens of the pyogenic liver abscess are Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacteroides, Enterococci, Streptococci, and Staphylococci. However, liver abscess caused by Salmonella species has rarely been reported. We experienced a case of Salmonella liver abscess which improved after antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage. The patient was 52 years-old man who had an episode of intermittent fever, chills and epigastric pain for 2 weeks. He was diagnosed as liver cirrhosis eight years ago and diabetes three years ago. Salmonella group D, non-typhi was cultured from blood and pus from the liver respectively at the same time. With percutaneous drainage and susceptible antibiotic therapy, liver abscess decreased in size with improvements in fever and abdominal pain.     

Pyogenic liver abscess related to dental disease in an immunocompetent host

A 59-year-old man with poor oral hygiene presented to our hospital because of fever and chills. Abdominal ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a liver abscess. The patient had no history of immunodeficiency and we confirmed the patient had no immunologic abnormalities. Blood culture revealed Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterium commonly found in the oral cavity. Even if a patient is immunocompetent, poor oral hygiene might be an independent risk factor for a pyogenic liver abscess. Professional mechanical tooth cleaning (PMTC) and appropriate self-care are recommended as a prophylaxis against not only dental, but also systemic diseases.     

Multiple pyogenic liver abscesses caused by Streptococcus constellatus in the Amazon region. Case report

There are few studies reporting pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) caused by Streptococcus constellatus in the medical literature. S. constellatus is a comensal microorganism that belongs to the Streptococcus milleri’s bacteria group and is not considered to be pathogenic for humans. We report the case of a 23-year-old man with a 15-days history of abdominal pain in the right flank followed by daily fever, chills, nausea, vomits, sialism and jaundice. Physical examination revealed moderate jaundice (2+/4+), abdominal distention, generalized pain and tender over the right flank with positive Blumberg’s sign. Additionally, the liver was palpable 5 cm below the costal margin in the right midclavicular line. Abdominal Computerized Tomography showed multiple hypodense hepatic images suggestive of liver abscesses. The patient underwent surgical exploration of the abdomen through a sub-costal incision and, during operation ruptured abscess localized on the hepatic segment III was drained. Culture of the purulent material obtained at surgery yielded Streptococcus constellatus as the causative agent. Liver abscess is a potential life-threatening disease that must be treated as soon as possible with invasive approaches, if necessary, and bacteriological studies performed when possible, allowing isolation of causative agents and specific antibiotic therapy.     

Lactobacillus acidophilus as a cause of liver abscess in a NOD2/CARD15-positive patient with Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION: The development of a fistula and/or an abscess are major complications in patients with Crohn's disease. An abscess can involve any of the major viscera, including the liver and spleen. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old male patient with a 6-month history of NOD2/CARD15-positive Crohn's disease with stenosis of the terminal ileum, previously treated with corticosteroids, was admitted with fever, chills, diarrhea, fatigue and cachexia. Diagnostic work-up revealed sepsis, an abscess in the right hepatic lobe, multiple abdominal collections and right-sided pleural effusion. It was felt that his poor general condition prevented surgical intervention and complex conservative treatment was initiated. It consisted of total parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, percutaneous drainage of the liver abscess, and thoracocentesis. Pus and blood cultures showed Lactobacillus acidophilus. There was a gradual improvement in the patient's condition and the liver abscess decreased in diameter from 14 to 2 cm. Aminosalicylates and enteral nutrition were gradually introduced. The patient was discharged after 9 weeks in good general condition. CONCLUSION: Although extremely rarely, L. acidophilus can cause hepatic abscess and sepsis. This can be explained by immunologic incompetence due to corticosteroid treatment of Crohn's disease.     

A case of malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor of ileum with liver abscess]

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is an uncommon mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and is generally located in the stomach and small intestine. They usually present with abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and palpable mass. Some patients present with rare symptoms that are more common in malignant GIST. Malignant GIST combined with a liver abscess has not been reported yet in the literatures. We report a case of 67-year-old woman who suffered from liver abscess combined by malignant GIST with central necrosis and fistula in the ileum. She complained of fever, chills, and abdominal pain. Abdominal CT scan showed huge liver abscess and ileal mass with air pocket. Small bowel series showed contrast material filling into the ileal GIST mass. An operation was performed and the final diagnosis was malignant GIST of the ileum with invasion into the sigmoid colon and urinary bladder.     

A case of hepatic actinomycosis diagnosed by thin needle aspiration biopsy successfully treated with antibiotics]

A 57-year-old man presented with chief complaints of right hypochondrial pain and fever. Laboratory tests revealed severe inflammatory reactions. Abdominal ultrasonography disclosed a mass with non-homogeneous internal echoes suggesting hepatic abscess. Percutaneous liver biopsy revealed a lump of actinomycetes, allowing a diagnosis of hepatic actinomycosis. The abscess disappeared following long-term treatment with penicillin antibiotics. Actinomycosis developing primarily in the liver is very rare. This condition needs to be distinguished from tumorous lesions of the liver, including malignancy. It seems noteworthy that the diagnosis of this condition was possible on the basis of percutaneous liver biopsy.     

Simultaneous Klebsiella pneumoniae and amoebic liver abscess in an immunocompetent patient

Simultaneous Klebsiella pneumoniae and amoebic liver abscess is rarely reported in immunocompetent patients. A 47-year-old man was hospitalized with abdominal pain, fever, chills, and hypotension. Physical examination revealed right upper quadrant tenderness. Abdominal computed tomography showed an area of low attenuation with some liquefaction in the liver. Echo-guided aspiration revealed 30 mL of pus, which grew Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the same organism was isolated from the blood. Cytology examination of the pus showed scattered amoeba. The patient gradually improved over 1 month on treatment with cefmetazole and metronidazole, along with repeated drainage of the abscess. His amoebic indirect hemagglutination titer was 1:128, but no parasite ova or amoeba were found in the stool. He had no evidence of immunocompromise. Parasitic diseases may be a predisposing factor for bacterial infections, including pyogenic liver abscess. The possible coexistence of amoebae and bacteria in a liver abscess should not be discounted.     

Primary hepatic actinomycosis concomitant with elevation of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II - report of a case

We report a case of primary hepatic actinomycosis showing elevation of serum protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II). A 68-year-old man visited an affiliated hospital with a complaint of high fever and body weight loss. Hematological examination revealed severe inflammatory reactions and liver dysfunction. Abdominal CT showed a heterogeneous low density area composed of cystic and solid part. We suspected the cystic part with band-like enhancement to be a hepatic abscess and performed percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage. Although inflammatory reactions decreased after the drainage, the solid part did not shrink and blood chemistry revealed elevation of PIVKA-II. Since we could not rule out the possibility of hepatoma, right hepatectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed actinomycetes. Although primary hepatic actinomycosis is a rare disease, it must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of the liver tumor.     

A case of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of liver presenting with liver abscess]

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine cell carcinoma is a very rare tumor. We experienced a 75-year-old woman with primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma presenting with pyogenic liver abscess. Abdominal CT scan revealed a multiseptated liver abscess and an enlarged lymph node in portocaval portion. We performed percutaneous drainage of the liver abscess, but the amount of drained pus did not decrease after 20 days. The follow-up abdominal CT scan showed that the cystic portion of liver abscess had been replaced by the solid tumor. Microscopic examination of the tumor tissue showed nests of epithelial cells with uniform round hyperchromatic nuclei and high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio. Immunohistochemical staining was strongly positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin A.     

细菌性肝脓肿58例

目的:总结分析细菌性肝脓肿的临床特征及相关实验室检查结果,为该病的诊断和合理治疗提供依据.方法:总结我院2000-06/2011-12的58例确诊细菌性肝脓肿患者的临床资料,回顾性分析该病的临床特征、实验室检查、影像学、病原学及治疗特点.结果:58例细菌性肝脓肿患者最常见的临床表现为畏寒发热(94.8%)及右上腹痛(58.6%).糖尿病(46.5%)为最常见的合并症.血清碱性磷酸酶(77.6%)、白细胞(70.7%)和纤维蛋白原(60%)升高最常见.最常见的细菌为肺炎克雷伯菌(17.2%).脓肿多为单个(86.2%),肝右叶居多(81.1%).所有患者均选用联合抗生素治疗,其中26例患者(44.8%)行穿刺抽脓或置管引流,3例患者(5.2%)行手术治疗,1例患者(1.7%)死亡.结论:患者临床表现为畏寒发热、右上腹痛时应高度警惕细菌性肝脓肿可能,尤其是糖尿病、胆管疾病及恶性肿瘤患者.病原学仅在部分患者出现阳性结果,而血清碱性磷酸酶、白细胞和纤维蛋白原升高更常见,可能对临床诊断具有提示意义.抗感染结合穿刺抽脓或置管引流是临床安全有效的治疗手段.     

Subcapsular hepatic haematoma after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancrea-tography: An unusual case

Subcapsular hepatic haematoma is a rare complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancrea-tography (ERCP), and there are few reports about this unusual complication worldwide. The primary symptom of most cases reported in the literature is abdominal pain. We report an unusual case with the primary symptom of fever. A 56-year-old man who had a six-month history of recurrent episodes of upper abdominal pain was diagnosed with a common bile duct stone by magnetic resonance cholangiopancrea-tography. Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy was performed, and stones from the common bile duct were successfully extracted with a basket. The patient had a persistent fever after ERCP, and treatment with intravenous antibiotics was unsuccessful. Computed tomography showed a 13 cm × 6 cm subcapsular hepatic haematoma filled with air and liquid on the surface of the right hepatic lobe. The patient was successfully treated with peritoneal drainage under B-ultra guidance. Subcapsular liver haematoma should be considered when hard-toexplain symptoms persist in the early period after ERCP. Percutaneous drainage is an effective treatment.     

腹部手术后腹腔脓肿处理的临床观察

目的 :观察腹腔脓肿患者的诊断和治疗结果。方法 :回顾性分析 1992～ 2 0 0 1年诊治的 4 3例腹腔脓肿患者的临床资料。结果 :腹部手术后腹腔脓肿 4 3例 ,经 B超及 CT检查确诊后 ,根据脓肿部位及大小分别药物治疗 14例 ,脓肿穿刺抽脓 12例 ,脓肿置管引流 7例 ,手术引流 10例 ,均治愈。结论 :腹腔脓肿是腹部手术后常见的并发症 ,应注意预防、早期诊断和及时有效引流     

Pyogenic liver abscess as a complication of Crohn's disease

Pyogenic liver abscess in patients with Crohn's disease is not common, but the mortality has been reported to be high if diagnosis and treatment is delayed. Intra-abdominal abscesses, fistulous disease, and steroid therapy have all been reported to be important predisposing factors in the pathogenesis of this entity. We present a patient with Crohn's disease in whom multiple abscesses were encountered in the right lobe of the liver. The diagnosis of liver abscess was established by abdominal computed tomography and the patient was treated by percutaneous catheter drainage. Awareness of this rare complication is important because diagnosis is difficult to make and a high index of suspicion is required. Once suspected, aggressive diagnostic workup and treatment is indicated. Most patients with liver abscess can be successfully managed by percutaneous catheter drainage combined with antibiotic therapy if it is diagnosed before extensive necrosis has occurred.     

Pyogenic liver abscess: Warning indicator of silent colonic cancer

PURPOSE: Carcinoma of the colon, manifested clinically as an enterococcal hepatic abscess, in the absence of liver metastases, is very uncommon. However, having treated a patient with such a condition, we would like to draw the attention of surgeons to this possibility. Most reports describe secondary infections of hepatic metastases only in patients with a known malignancy. However, increased awareness of colonic cancer as an underlying cause of pyogenic liver abscesses will afford earlier diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The case was analyzed for history, presentation, laboratory data, radiologic studies, and bacteriology. RESULTS: A 66-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Imaging scans revealed a solitary liver abscess, which was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Pus cultures grew Streptococcus faecalis.A search for the underlying cause led to the discovery of an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive search for the underlying cause of pyogenic liver abscesses should be an integral part of the definitive treatment of this disease. After prevailing etiologies have been excluded, silent colonic cancer should be considered.     

Pantoea agglomerans liver abscess presenting with a painful thigh

This case highlights that an acute myositis leading to rhabdomyolysis may occur as a rare complication of hepatic abscess and shows the benefit of early recognition of this possible association. A 70-year-old man presented with fever and lower limb myalgia, with laboratory evidence of acute renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Blood cultures revealed Pantoea agglomerans, which led to identification of a hepatic abscess on computed tomography scan. Supportive care together with antibiotics led to normalization of renal function and resolution of the abscess. This appears to be the first report of a patient with a liver abscess presenting with myositis and rhabdomyolysis. Early recognition of this possible association is vital to limit morbidity and mortality.     

Clostridial liver abscess following blunt abdominal trauma: case report and review of the literature

An 11-y-old boy developed a liver abscess 3 weeks following blunt abdominal trauma. Abscess culture yielded pure growth of Clostridium novyi type B, not previously reported as a cause of human infection. The patient was managed successfully with antibiotic therapy and continuous percutaneous drainage. Clostridial liver abscess following blunt abdominal trauma may occur as a delayed complication and may be managed without resectional debridement.