Predictive factors for early aspiration in liver abscess

AIM: To determine the predictive factors for early aspiration in liver abscess. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients with liver abscess from 1995 to 2004 was performed. Abscess was diagnosed as amebic in 661 (68%) patients, pyogenic in 200 (21%), indeterminate in 73 (8%) and mixed in 32 (3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictive factors for aspiration of liver abscess. RESULTS: A total of 966 patients, 738 (76%) male, mean age 43 ± 17 years, were evaluated: 540 patients responded to medical therapy while adjunctive percutaneous aspiration was performed in 426 patients. Predictive factors for aspiration of liver abscess were: age ≥ 55 years, size of abscess ≥ 5 cm, involvement of both lobes of the liver and duration of symptoms ≥ 7 d. Hospital stay in the aspiration group was relatively longer than in the non aspiration group. Twelve patients died in the aspiration group and this mortality was not statistically significant when compared to the non aspiration group. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced age, abscess size > 5 cm, both lobes of the liver involvement and duration of symptoms > 7 d were likely to undergo aspiration of the liver abscess, regardless of etiology.

Amebic liver abscess:Clinico-radiological findings and interventional management

In its classic form,amebic liver abscess(ALA)is a mild disease,which responds dramatically to antibiotics and rarely requires drainage.However,the two other forms of the disease,i.e.,acute aggressive and chronic indolent usually require drainage.These forms of ALA are frequently reported in endemic areas.The acute aggressive disease is particularly associated with serious complications,such as ruptures,secondary infections,and biliary communications.Laboratory parameters are deranged,with signs of organ failure often present.This form of disease is also associated with a high mortality rate,and early drainage is often required to control the disease severity.In the chronic form,the disease is characterized by low-grade symptoms,mainly pain in the right upper quadrant.Ultrasound and computed tomography(CT)play an important role not only in the diagnosis but also in the assessment of disease severity and identification of the associated complications.Recently,it has been shown that CT imaging morphology can be classified into three patterns,which seem to correlate with the clinical subtypes.Each pattern depicts its own set of distinctive imaging features.In this review,we briefly outline the clinical and imaging features of the three distinct forms of ALA,and discuss the role of percutaneous drainage in the management of ALA.

Amebic liver abscess: An update

Amebic liver abscess(ALA)is still a common problem in the tropical world,where it affects over three-quarters of patients with liver abscess.It is caused by an anaerobic protozoan Entamoeba hystolytica,which primarily colonises the cecum.It is a non-suppurative infection of the liver consisting primarily of dead hepatocytes and cellular debris.People of the male gender,during their reproductive years,are most prone to ALA,and this appears to be due to a poorly mounted immune response linked to serum testosterone levels.ALA is more common in the right lobe of the liver,is strongly associated with alcohol consumption,and can heal without the need for drainage.While majority of ALA patients have an uncomplicated course,a number of complications have been described,including rupture into abdomino-thoracic structures,biliary fistula,vascular thrombosis,bilio-vascular compression,and secondary bacterial infection.Based on clinico-radiological findings,a classification system for ALA has emerged recently,which can assist clinicians in making treatment decisions.Recent research has revealed the role of venous thrombosis-related ischemia in the severity of ALA.Recent years have seen the development and refinement of newer molecular diagnostic techniques that can greatly aid in overcoming the diagnostic challenge in endemic area where serology-based tests have limited accuracy.Metronidazole has been the drug of choice for ALA patients for many years.However,concerns over the resistance and adverse effects necessitate the creation of new,safe,and potent antiamebic medications.Although the indication of the drainage of uncomplicated ALA has become more clear,high-quality randomised trials are still necessary for robust conclusions.Percutaneous drainage appears to be a viable option for patients with ruptured ALA and diffuse peritonitis,for whom surgery represents a significant risk of mortality.With regard to all of the aforementioned issues,this article intends to present an updated review of ALA.

Paragonimiasis misdiagnosed as liver abscess:A case report

BACKGROUNDParagonimiasis is a typical food-borne zoonotic disease. Hosts acquire Paragonimusinfection through the ingestion of raw or undercooked crayfish and crab.The clinical manifestations of the disease are varied, and it is often misdiagnosedor missed. The diagnosis of paragonimiasis should be considered comprehensively.Praziquantel is the first choice for treatment, and albendazole can beused in combination with repeated courses in severe cases.CASE SUMMARYWe report a case of liver paragonimiasis that was misdiagnosed as an abscess. Thepatient presented with fatigue and poor appetite for 2 months, and was diagnosedwith liver abscess in the local hospital. After 6 months, the patient visited ourhospital because of recurrent abdominal pain and was diagnosed with liverparagonimiasis based on epidemiological history, clinical presentations, andlaboratory findings. He was treated with praziquantel (25 mg/kg) three times aday for 3 days;however, the symptoms still presented after treatment. He wastreated with oral praziquantel and albendazole for one further course. Follow-upsuggested that the treatment was effective and the symptoms improved.CONCLUSIONThe combination of albendazole and praziquantel may improve the therapeuticefficacy of paragonimiasis.

Molecular mechanism of Xuebijing in treating pyogenic liver abscess complicated with sepsis

BACKGROUND:Xuebijing(XBJ)can alleviate the inflammatory response,improve organ function,and shorten the intensive care unit(ICU)stay in patients with pyogenic liver abscess(PLA)complicated with sepsis,but the molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated.This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of XBJ in treating PLA complicated with sepsis using a network pharmacology approach.METHODS:The active ingredients and targets of XBJ were retrieved from the ETCM database.Potential targets related to PLA and sepsis were retrieved from the GeneCards,PharmGKB,DisGeNet,Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),Therapeutic Targets Database(TTD),and DrugBank databases.The targets of PLA complicated with sepsis were mapped to the targets of XBJ to identify potential treatment targets.Protein-protein interaction networks were analyzed using the STRING database.Potential treatment targets were imported into the Metascape platform for Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses.Molecular docking was performed to validate the interactions between active ingredients and core targets.RESULTS:XBJ was found to have 54 potential treatment targets for PLA complicated with sepsis.Interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)were identifi ed as core targets.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed important pathways,including the interleukin-17(IL-17)signaling pathway,the TNF signaling pathway,the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway,and the Toll-like receptor(TLR)signaling pathway.Molecular docking experiments indicated stable binding between XBJ active ingredients and core targets.CONCLUSION:XBJ may exert therapeutic eff ects on PLA complicated with sepsis by modulating signaling pathways,such as the IL-17,TNF,NF-κB,and TLR pathways,and targeting IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF.

Profile of Amoebic vs. Pyogenic Liver Abscess and Comparison of Demographical, Clinical, Radiological, and Laboratory Profiles of These Patients from Three Secondary Care Centers in Senegal

Background: Liver abscess (LA) is a suppurated collection in the hepatic parenchyma. In Africa, liver abscesses are most often of amoebic origin, but more recently, the rate of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) has increased. Objective: to assess the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, biological radiological findings, and outcomes of patients with PLA and with amebic liver abscess (ALA) in order to determine the potential factors that may help improve diagnosis and treatment for LA in the context of secondary care centers with limited medical supports. Methods: Retrospective review of LA diagnosed and treated at three secondary care centers in Thiès over 11 years. Results: 61 patients, were included, 52.45% had ALA and 47.54% had PLA. Males were predominant (79.31% in PLA vs 65.63% in ALA, p = 0.2). The median age was 38 years for the PLA group vs 39 years for the ALA group (p = 0.4). In both groups, the most common symptom was right upper abdominal pain (81.97%), hepatomegaly (81.97%). The PLA group had a higher prevalence of fever (79.31% vs 46.88%, p = 0,009), chills (51.72% vs 18.75%, p = 0.007), right basi-thoracic pain (55.17% vs 28.13%, p = 0.032), and jaundice (55.17% vs 28%, p = 0.032). There was no difference in radiological features between PLA and ALA. Patients with PLA had a higher level of White blood cell (20.600 vs 15.400, p = 0.014). The most common bacteria identified in PLA were Escherichia coli (58.8%). All patients had received antibiotic therapy, which was combined with aspiration puncture (37.3%), transcutaneous drainage (43.3%), and surgery (9.0%). Seven patients had received antibiotic therapy alone and all had amoebic abscesses. Elsewhere, the occurrence of complications was higher in PLA cases (75.86% vs 37.5%, p = 0.003). The overall hospital mortality rate was 13.11%, higher in cases of PLA (24.14% vs 3.13%, p = 0.022). Conclusion: Clinical and biological features were more severe in PLA. But radiological features cannot be used to distinguish between PLA and ALA.

Coexistence of liver abscess, hepatic cystic echinococcosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Human cystic echinococcosis(CE)is a life-threatening zoonosis caused by the Echinococcus granulosus(sensu lato).Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world.The coexistence of CE and HCC is exceedingly rare,and only several well-documented cases have been reported.In addition to this coexistence,there is no report of the coexistence of CE,HCC,and liver abscess to date.Herein,we aimed to report a case of coexistence of liver abscess,hepatic CE,and HCC.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old herdsman presented to the department of interventional therapy with jaundice,right upper abdominal distension and pain for 10 d.Laboratory test showed that he had positive results for HBsAg,HBeAb,HBcAb,and echino-coccosis IgG antibody.The test also showed an increased level of alpha fetopro-tein of 3400 ng/mL.An abdominal computed tomography(CT)scan revealed an uneven enhanced lesion of the liver at the arterial phase with enhancement and was located S4/8 segment of the liver.In addition,CT scan also revealed a mass in the S6 segment of the liver with a thick calcified wall and according to current guideline and medical images,the diagnoses of hepatic CE(CE4 subtype)and HCC were established.Initially,transarterial chemoembolization was performed for HCC.In the follow-up,liver abscess occurred in addition to CE and HCC;thus,percutaneous liver puncture drainage was performed.In the next follow-up,CE and HCC were stable.The liver abscess was completely resolved,and the patient was discharged with no evidence of recurrence.CONCLUSION This is the first reported case on the coexistence of liver abscess,hepatic CE,and HCC.Individualized treatment and multidisciplinary discussions should be performed in this setting.Therefore,treatment and diagnosis should be based on the characteristics of liver abscess,hepatic CE,and HCC,and in future clinical work,it is necessary to be aware of the possibility of this complex composition of liver diseases.

Primary hepatic lymphoma presenting as pyogenic liver abscess:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary hepatic lymphoma(PHL)is a lymphoproliferative disorder confined to the liver without peripheral lymph node involvement and bone marrow invasion.PHL is extremely rare in clinical practice.The etiology and pathogenesis of PHL are largely unknown.There are no common standard protocols or guidelines for the treatment of PHL.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 66-year-old man who presented with fever and abdominal pain for three weeks.Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a pyogenic liver abscess.The patient underwent a right posterior hepatectomy.The surgical pathology revealed aggressive B-cell lymphoma,with a primary consideration of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of non-germinal center origin.CONCLUSION This article reviews the characteristics,mechanism and treatment of PHL and provides insight into the diagnosis of PHL.

Liver abscess and tracheal fistula induced by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)is a standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The complications of TACE include biliary tract infection,liver dysfunction,tumor lysis syndrome,biloma,partial intestinal obstruction,cerebral lipiodol embolism,etc.There are few reports about tracheal fistula induced by TACE.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old man came to our hospital with cough and expectoration for 1 month after TACE for HCC.Laboratory test results showed abnormalities of albumin,hemoglobin,prothrombin time,C-reactive protein,D-dimer,and prothrombin.Culture of both phlegm and liver pus revealed growth of Citrobacter flavescens.Computed tomography showed infection in the inferior lobe of the right lung and a low-density lesion with gas in the right liver.Liver ultrasound showed that there was a big hypoechoic liquid lesion without blood flow signal.Drainage for liver abscess by needle puncture under ultrasonic guidance was performed.After 1 month of drainage and anti-infection therapy,the abscess in the liver and the infection in the lung were reduced obviously,and the symptom of expectoration was relieved.CONCLUSION Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of complications of liver abscess and tracheal fistula after TACE for HCC.Drainage for liver abscess by needle puncture under ultrasonic guidance could relieve the liver abscess and tracheal fistula.

Leukopenia-a rare complication secondary to invasive liver abscess syndrome in a patient with diabetes mellitus:A case report

BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of invasive liver abscess syndrome(ILAS)by Klebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumoniae)infection,which indicates severe infection and a poor prognosis.However,the presence of leukopenia is rare.There are rare reports on leukopenia and its clinical significance for ILAS,and there is currently no recognized treatment plan.Early and broad-spectrum antimi-crobial therapy may be an effective therapy for treating ILAS and improving its prognosis.CASE SUMMARY A 55-year-old male patient who developed fever,chills,and abdominal distension without an obvious cause presented to the hospital for treatment.Laboratory tests revealed thrombocytopenia,leukopenia,and multiple organ dysfunction.Imaging examinations revealed an abscess in the right lobe of the liver and thromboph-lebitis,and K.pneumoniae was detected in the blood cultures.Since the patient was diabetic and had multi-system involvement,he was diagnosed with ILAS accom-panied by leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.After antibiotic treatment and sys-temic supportive therapy,the symptoms disappeared,and the patient’s condition almost completely resolved.CONCLUSION Leukopenia is a rare complication of ILAS,which serves as an indicator of adverse prognostic outcomes and the severity of infection.

Pyogenic liver abscess secondary to gastric perforation of an ingested toothpick:A case report

BACKGROUND Liver abscess due to foreign body-induced gastrointestinal tract perforation is a rare event that could be misdiagnosed due to low suspicion.Less than 100 cases have been reported to date.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 53-year old female patient with pyogenic liver abscess secondary to ingestion of a toothpick with penetration through the lesser curvature of the stomach.The patient presented with persistent epigastric pain.Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated the presence of a linear radiopaque object associated with abscess formation in the left liver lobe.Inflammatory changes in the lesser curvature of the stomach indicated gastric wall penetration by the object.As the abscess was refractory to antibiotic treatment,laparoscopic liver resection was performed to remove the foreign body and adjacent liver parenchyma.Following surgery,symptoms fully resolved without any sequelae.CONCLUSION This rare case demonstrates the importance of considering foreign body penetration as a cause of pyogenic liver abscess,particularly in abscesses of unknown origin that are resistant to antibiotic therapy.Clinical suspicion,early diagnosis,and prompt removal of the foreign body could lead to improved outcomes in these patients.

Vascular complications of liver abscess: A literature review

Extensive vascular network and proximity to the gastrointestinal tract make the liver susceptible to abscess formation.While pyogenic liver abscesses account for the majority of liver abscesses in the Western world,amebic liver abscesses are more prevalent in tropical and developing nations.Most liver abscesses heal without complications.However,various vascular complications can occur in these patients,including compression of the inferior vena cava,thrombosis of the portal vein and/or hepatic veins,hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm,direct rupture into major vessels or the pericardium,and biliovascular fistula.These compli-cations can present significant clinical challenges due to the potential for hae-morrhage,ischemia,and systemic embolism,thereby increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality.Mechanical compression,flow stasis,inflammation,endothelial injury,and direct invasion are some of the proposed mechanisms that can cause vascular complications in the setting of a liver abscess.For the diag-nosis,thorough assessment,and therapeutic planning of vascular complications,more sophisticated imaging techniques such as multidetector computed tomo-graphy angiography or magnetic resonance angiography may be necessary.Although most vascular complications resolve with abscess treatment alone,additional interventions may be required based on the nature,severity,and course of the complications.This article aims to provide a systematic update on the spectrum of vascular complications of liver abscesses,offering insights into their pathogenesis,diagnosis,and management strategies.

Areas of research and clinical approaches to the study of liver abscess

AIMTo analyze the research activity on liver abscess (LA) and identify the main topic clusters in the area.METHODSWe identified all documents using the medical subject heading “LA” indexed in the MEDLINE database between 2001 and 2015. We performed a descriptive bibliometric analysis, characterizing the evolution of scientific activity, the publication types of the documents, the document categories of clinical interest (case reports, clinical trials, evaluation studies, meta-analysis, observational studies, practice guidelines and validation studies) and the geographic distribution of the research. We also carried out an analysis of networks and research clusters in order to identify the main topic areas of research.RESULTSOur search yielded a total of 1278 documents, showing a stable scientific production over the study period and a marked multidisciplinary nature. The research was dominated by case reports (65.9% of the documents analyzed). In terms of geographic distribution, researchers from the United States led in the number of signatures (n = 229), followed by those from Taiwan (n = 185), India (n = 145), Japan (n = 144), South Korea (n = 100), and China (n = 84). With regard to amebic LA, the top-producing countries were India and Mexico (n = 69 each), followed by the United States (n = 29). In the case of pyogenic LA, Taiwan Residents researchers led scientific production (n = 71), followed by the United States (n = 39) and China (n = 29). The most active areas of research in the field are diagnosis via computerized tomography scan, differential diagnosis with regard to liver cancer, treatment with antimicrobial agents, and Klebsiella infections (including bacteremia).CONCLUSIONClinical case reports associated with diagnosis and treatment are the main topic of study, highlighting the importance of this document type in advancing knowledge.

Is hepatic neoplasm-related pyogenic liver abscess a distinct clinical entity?

AIM: To compare the clinical characteristics of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) in patients with and without hepatic neoplasm (HN). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis involving patients with PLA. The demographic, clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings, management and outcome of patients with and without HN were studied. RESULTS: From January 2000 to December 2009 inclusive, 318 patients (35 with HN) had PLA, and mean age and comorbidity were comparable between the two groups. More patients with HN experienced right upper quadrant pain (68.6% vs 52.7%, P < 0.04), developed jaundice (14.3% vs 5.7%, P < 0.03) and hepatomegaly (17.1% vs 3.9%, P < 0.01), and had higher serum total bilirubin level (43.3 μmol/L vs 30.0 μmol/L, P = 0.05). Most patients in both groups had PLAs in the right hepatic lobe, and biliary tract disorder was the most common underlying cause (71.4% and 61.8%). However, more PLAs in the HN group were associated with thicker abscess wall (37.1% vs 19.4%, P < 0.01), septal lobulation (77.1% vs 58%, P < 0.02), gaseous cavitation (17% vs 7.8%, P = 0.03), portal thrombophlebitis (11.4% vs 1.8%, P < 0.01) and aerobilia (25.9% vs 5.5%, P < 0.01). Mixed bacterial growth (40% vs 15.2%, P < 0.01) and Gram-negative bacilli (22.8% vs 60.4%, P < 0.01) were dominant isolates in PLAs with and without HN, respectively. Although incidence of the complications was comparable between the two groups, patients with HN had a higher mortality rate than those without (71.4% vs 8.8%, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed underlying active malignancy [odds ratio (OR): 40.45, 95% CI: 14.76-111.65], hypoalbuminemia (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14-1.38), disseminated intravascular coagulation (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.19-9.69) and acute coronary syndrome (OR: 4.48, 95% CI: 1.08-17.8) were independent risk factors associated with mortality. However, several HN cases, presented concurrently with PLAs, were found to have curative resectable tumors and had good prognosis after surgery. CONCLUSION: PLA associated with HN tends to form a distinct clinical syndrome with a different extent of clinical manifestations, radiological and microbiological features and complications.

Role and outcome of conventional surgery in the treatment of pyogenic liver abscess in the modern era of minimally invasive therapy

AIM:To evaluate the role and outcome of conventional surgery in the treatment of pyogenic liver abscess in the modern era of minimally invasive therapy. METHODS:The medical records of thirteen patients with pyogenic liver abscess who underwent surgical treatment between January 1995 and December 2002 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the clinical presentation, indication and nature of surgery, and out-come of surgery. RESULTS:The patients were predominantly women (10/13) with a mean age of 65 ± 17 years. Their main presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (100%) and fever (77%). The aetiologies included biliary (n = 6), cryptogenic (n = 3), portal (n = 2), and trauma (n = 2). Seven patients underwent percutaneous drainage as the initial treatment. Of these, three patients developed peritonitis secondary to peritoneal spillage. Another four patients failed to respond because of multilocula-tion. Salvage surgery was required in these patients. Six patients proceeded to straight laparotomy:two had marked sepsis and multiloculated abscess that precluded percutaneous drainage, and four presented with perito-nitis of uncertain pathology. Surgical procedures included deroofment and drainage (n = 9), liver resection (n = 3), peritoneal lavage (n = 2), cholecystectomy (n = 4), and exploration of common bile duct (n = 2). One patient required reoperation because of bleeding. Three patients required further percutaneous drainage after surgery. The overall mortality was 46%. Four patients died of multiorgan failure and two patients died of pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION:Surgical treatment of pyogenic liver ab-scess is occasionally needed when percutaneous drainage has failed due to various reasons. Mortality rate in this group of patients has remained high.

Liver abscess after implantation of dental prosthesis

Pyogenic liver abscesses are rare but a life-threatening important condition. Dental procedures constitute only rare cases of pyogenic liver abscesses, with only a few cases in the literature. We report a patient with liver abscess following a dental procedure. A 74 years old diabetic male patient was admitted to our hospital with complaints of fatigue, 40?°C fever, rigors and right upper quadrant pain, 3-4 d after a dental procedure. Physical examination revealed fever and tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory examination revealed leucocytosis, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein and moderately elevated transaminases. An abscess was detected in radiological examination in the medial part of the left lobe of liver, neighboring the gall bladder. He was successfully treated with percutaneous abscess drainage and antibiotherapy.

Treatment of Candida albicans liver abscess complicated with COVID-19 after liver metastasis ablation:A case report

BACKGROUND Liver interventional surgery is a relatively safe and minimally invasive surgery.However,for patients who have undergone Whipple surgery,the probability of developing a liver abscess after liver interventional surgery is very high.Fungal liver abscess has a high mortality rate,especially when complicated with malignant tumors,diabetes,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and other complications.Fungal liver abscess is rare,and there are no guidelines or expert consensus on the course of antifungal therapy.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old woman with pancreatic head cancer received albumin-bound paclitaxel in combination with gemcitabine chemotherapy after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.Liver metastasis was found 1 mo after completion of 8 cycles of chemotherapy,followed by ablation of the liver metastasis.After half a month of liver metastasis ablation,the patient experienced fever after chemotherapy and was diagnosed with liver abscess complicated with COVID-19 by contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography and real-time polymerase chain reaction detection.The results of pus culture showed Candida albicans,which was sensitive to fluconazole.The patient underwent percutaneous catheter drainage,antifungal therapy with fluconazole,and antiviral therapy with azvudine.During antifungal therapy,the patient showed a significant increase in liver enzyme levels and was discharged after liver protection therapy.Oral fluconazole was continued for 1 wk outside the hospital,and fluconazole was used for a total of 5 wk.The patient recovered well and received 4 cycles of fluorouracil,leucovorin,oxaliplatin,and irinotecan after 2 mo of antifungal therapy.CONCLUSION Effective treatment of Candida albicans liver abscess requires early detection,percutaneous catheter drainage,and 5 wk of antifungal therapy.Meanwhile,complications such as COVID-19 should be actively managed and nutritional support should be provided.

Pyogenic liver abscess: Differences in etiology and treatment in Southeast Asia and Central Europe

Knowledge of etiology and timely treatment of underlying causes,when possible,play an important role in the successful therapy of patients with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA).Recent publications from Central Europe and Southeast Asia hint at considerable differences in etiology.In this article,we aim to elaborate these differences and their therapeutic implications.Apart from some special types of PLA that are comparable in Southeast Asia and Central Europe (such as posttraumatic or postprocedural PLA),there are clear differences in the microbiological spectrum,which implies different risk factors and disease courses.Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pneumoniae) PLA is predominantly seen in Southeast Asia,whereas,in Central Europe,PLA is typically caused by Escherichia coli,Streptococcus or Staphylococcus,and these patients are more likely to be older and to have a biliary abnormality or malignancy.K.pneumoniae patients are more likely to have diabetes mellitus.Control of septic spread is crucial in K.pneumoniae patients,whereas treatment of the underlying diseases is decisive in many Central European PLA patients.

Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive liver abscess syndrome with purulent meningitis and septic shock: A case from China's Mainland

We present a rare case of invasive liver abscess syndrome due to Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) with metastatic meningitis and septic shock. A previously healthy, 55-year-old female patient developed fever, liver abscess, septic shock, purulent meningitis and metastatic hydrocephalus. Upon admission, the clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging examinations were compatible with a diagnosis of K. pneumoniae primary liver abscess. Her distal metastasis infection involved meningitis and hydrocephalus, which could flare abruptly and be life threatening. Even with early adequate drainage and antibiotic therapy, the patient&#x02019;s condition deteriorated and she ultimately died. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of K. pneumoniae invasive liver abscess syndrome with septic meningitis reported in China's Mainland. Our findings reflect the need for a better understanding of the epidemiology, risk factors, complications, comorbid medical conditions and treatment of this disease.

Pyogenic liver abscess:An audit of 10 years’experience

AIM:To describe our own experience with pyogenic liver abscesses over the past 10 years and investigate the risk factors associated with failure of initial percutaneous therapy.METHODS:A retrospective study of records of 63 PLA patients presenting between 1998 and 2008 to Australian tertiary referral centre,were reviewed.Amoebic and hydatid abscesses were excluded.Demographic,clinical,radiological,and microbiological characteristics,as well as surgical/radiological interventions,were recorded.RESULTS:Sixty-three patients(42 males,21 females) aged 65(±14) years[mean±(SD) ]had prodromal symptoms for a median(interquartile range;IQR) of 7(5-14) d.Only 59%of patients were febrile at presentation;however,the serum C-reactive protein was elevated in all 47 in whom it was measured.Liver function tests were non-specifically abnormal.67%of patients had a solitary abscess,while 32%had>3 abscesses with a median(IQR) diameter of 6.3(4-9) cm.Causative organisms were:Streptococcus milleri 25%,Klebsiella pneumoniae 21%,and Escherichia coli 16%.A presumptive cryptogenic cause was most common (34%).Four patients died in this series:one from sepsis,two from advanced cancer,and one from acute myocardial infarction.The initial procedure was radiological aspiration±drainage in 54 and surgery in two patients.17%underwent surgical management during their hospitalization.Serum hypoalbuminaemia[mean (95%CI) :32(29-35) g/L vs 28(25-31) g/L,P=0.045] on presentation was found to be the only factor related to failure of initial percutaneous therapy on univariate analysis.CONCLUSION:PLA is a diagnostic challenge,because the presentation of this condition is non-specific.Intravenous antibiotics and radiological drainage in the first instance allows resolution of most PLAs;However,a small proportion of patients still require surgical drainage.