Pyogenic hepatic abscess. Changing trends over 42 years

Guidelines for Antibiotics Prescription in Critically Ill Patients

How to cite this article: Khilnani GC, Tiwari P, Mittal S, Kulkarni AP, Chaudhry D, Zirpe KG, et al. Guidelines for Antibiotics Prescription in Critically Ill Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(S2):S104-S216.

Beyond the Liver: A Unique Case of Pyogenic Liver Abscess Caused by Peptostreptococcus micros Penetrating the Chest Wall

Liver abscesses are uncommon pyogenic infections with diverse microbiology, often involving enteric gram-negative bacilli such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Standard management includes antibiotic therapy and abscess drainage. We present a case of a 37-year-old male with chronic right upper quadrant abdominal pain, who was found to have an enlarging liver mass infiltrating the chest wall and right-side chest ribs, ultimately diagnosed as a large pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) extending into the chest wall. Notably, the abscess was attributed to Peptostreptococcus micros, a rarely isolated pathogen in liver abscesses. Despite initial unsuccessful percutaneous drainage, surgical intervention proved necessary for definitive treatment. This case underscores the diagnostic challenge posed by uncommon pathogens in liver abscesses and emphasizes the effectiveness of surgical drainage in managing refractory cases.

Efficacy of empirical Ciprofloxacin or Cefixime plus Metronidazole therapy for the treatment of liver abscess: a randomized control clinical trial

Liver abscess is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. Prompt empirical antimicrobial with or without percutaneous aspiration or drainage is therapeutic. The rational for using empirical intravenous broad-spectrum antimicrobials upfront instead of oral Fluoroquinolone or Cephalosporin is contentious. In this double blind randomized control clinical trial 69 participants received Ciprofloxacin (500 mg q 12 hourly) and 71 participants received Cefixime (200 mg q 12 hourly) orally for 2 weeks. Both the group received oral Metronidazole (800 mg q 8 hourly) for 2 weeks and percutaneous drainage or aspiration of the abscess was done as per indication and followed-up for 8 weeks. Out of 140 participants, 89.3% (N = 125) achieved clinical cure, 59 (85.5%) in Ciprofloxacin group and 66 (93%) in Cefixime group (p = 0.154). Mean duration of antimicrobial therapy was 16.2 ± 4.3 days, 15.1 ± 4.5 days in Ciprofloxacin group and 16.0 ± 4.2 days in Cefixime group (p = 0.223). Total 15 (10.7%) participants had treatment failure, 10 (14.5%) in Ciprofloxacin group and 5 (7.0%) in Cefixime group (p = 0.154). The most common reason for treatment failure was need of prolong (> 4 weeks) antimicrobial therapy due to persistent hepatic collection requiring drainage, which was significantly (p = 0.036) higher in Ciprofloxacin (14.5%, N = 10) group, compared to the Cefixime (4.2%, N = 3) group. In conclusion, both, the Ciprofloxacin or Cefixime plus Metronidazole for duration of 2-3 weeks were efficacious as empirical oral antimicrobial regimen along with prompt percutaneous drainage or aspiration for the treatment of uncomplicated liver abscess with similar efficacy. Oral Cefixime was better than Ciprofloxacin in term of lesser chance of treatment failure due to persistent collection which is required to be investigated further in larger clinical trial.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov PRS ID: NCT03969758, 31/05/2019.

A Case of Metastatic Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma Masked as Suspected Hepatic Abscesses

Background

Characterizing multiple hepatic lesions on cross-sectional imaging, particularly differentiating abscesses from metastatic lesions, can be challenging.

Case Presentation

A male aged 53 years with a history of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma presented with fevers and abdominal pain and was found to have multiple hepatic lesions concerning for hepatic abscesses. The lesions initially evaded diagnosis on imaging, laboratory tests, and biopsy, but ultimately were determined to be a rare case of metastatic chromophobe renal cell carcinoma of the liver.

Conclusions

The finding of multiple new liver lesions on imaging during a febrile illness is concerning for hepatic abscess or malignancy, which can be difficult to diagnose with imaging alone. Differentiation between infectious and neoplastic etiologies may require additional imaging and/or tissue sampling.

A Case Report on Fever of Unknown Origin in a 10-Year-Old: Tubercular Liver Abscess

The liver, which presents as a focal point for tuberculosis in pediatric cases, is rarely encountered, and reported instances are scarce. This atypical manifestation underscores the management of tuberculosis affecting this particular organ in the context of pediatric patients. The treatment of solitary tubercular liver abscesses in children necessitates a collaborative approach, engaging pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, and interventional radiologists. It also needs awareness among physicians to explore and treat early and to complete further assessments for a better outcome. In our instance, investigating the cause of fever led us to diagnose a tubercular liver abscess in a previously healthy 10-year-old male. The substantiation of this diagnosis was accomplished through a meticulous liver biopsy, wherein immunohistochemistry was employed to detect tubercular pathogens. Following the confirmation of the diagnosis, the initiation of a targeted therapeutic regimen resulted in the subsequent resolution of the fever.

Characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae pyogenic liver abscess from 2010-2021 in a tertiary teaching hospital of South China

OBJECTIVES

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is the predominant pathogen responsible for PLA. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of K. pneumoniae-induced pyogenic liver abscess (KP-PLA), particularly those caused by carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP).

METHODS

Analyses were performed on PLA patients from January 2010 to December 2021, to investigate the differences of K. pneumoniae from other etiologically infected PLA patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare prognostic factors between patients with carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae PLA (CRKP-PLA) and patients with carbapenem-sensitive K. pneumoniae PLA.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between KP-PLA and factors including diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001), cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (P = 0.032), single abscess (P = 0.016), and abscesses with a diameter over 50 mm (P = 0.004). The CRKP group exhibited a higher prevalence of therapeutic interventions before K. pneumoniae infection, including abdominal surgery, mechanical ventilation, sputum suction, tracheal cannula, routine drainage of the abdominal cavity, and peripherally inserted central venous catheters (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that admission to the intensive care unit was an independent risk factor associated with CRKP-PLA (odds ratio 36; 95% confidence interval 1.77-731.56; P = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

The KP-PLA patients were significantly associated with diabetes and were more likely to have single abscesses larger than 50 mm. PLA patients with a history of admission to intensive care unit or invasive therapeutic procedures should be given special consideration if combined with CRKP infection.

Liver Abscess as an Uncommon Complication of Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Case Report

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an infrequently seen complication of appendicitis that once was common, but now is so rare many textbooks omit the condition entirely. In this report, we document a recent case of post-appendicitis PLA in an eight-year-old Hispanic female treated with a combination of medical and surgical management. We have detailed the course of treatment, both to raise awareness of this uncommon complication of appendicitis and to help provide a guide for other clinicians treating similar cases. While cases of pediatric PLA post-appendicitis are rare in the modern world, timely diagnosis and treatment of the lesions are paramount to patient recovery and prevention of long-term sequelae. Study of prior literature and research is likely to be of vital importance to the treatment of the condition. Multiple treatment modalities may be considered, and there is no true standard of care for pediatric populations presenting with PLA.

Higher Virulence Renders K2 Klebsiella pneumoniae a Stable Share Among Those from Pyogenic Liver Abscess

Objective

To explore why serotype K2 accounts for a stable share in Klebsiella pneumoniae from pyogenic liver abscess (PLA).

Methods

Totally 15 K2 K. pneumoniae strains from PLA, 21 K2 from non-PLA, and 31 K1 from PLA were collected from China. Sequence typing, molecular serotyping, regular PCR, and Galleria mellonella lethality were performed. A total of 12 virulence genes were detected: peg-344, allS, p-rmpA, p-rmpA2, c-rmpA, fimH, mrkD, iucA, iroN, irp2, entB, and wzi. The differences between K2 K. pneumoniae strains from PLA and non-PLA were investigated along with K1 ones.

Results

Significant differences were found between K2 strains from PLA and non-PLA for the rates of virulence genes peg-344 and iucA. The latter group also showed more diverse sequence types than the former. Significant differences were only found for virulence genes allS and irp2 between K1 and K2 strains from PLA. Based on the equal virulence factors backgrounds other than serotypes, K2 strain is more virulent than K1 as G. mellonella lethality confirmed. Gene p-rmpA only brings equal virulence to p-rmpA plus p-rmpA2 in K2 strain.

Conclusion

Based on the same virulence factors backgrounds except serotypes, K2 K. pneumoniae is more virulent than K1 from PLA, which provides a survival advantage to maintain a stable share.

Analysis of 15 cases from a monocentric cohort of 307 liver abscesses

BACKGROUND

Out of the context of haematological patients, Candida sp. is rarely retrieved from pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA).

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to assess the risk factors for occurrence, and clinical, microbiological characteristics, management and outcome of Candida pyogenic liver abscesses (C-PLA).

PATIENTS/METHODS

We retrospectively analysed C-PLA cases and compared them to pyogenic liver abscesses exclusively due to bacteria (B-PLA) included in our monocentric database on liver abscesses. Unfavourable course was defined as the occurrence of a primary treatment failure (PTF), recurrence after an initial cure, or death within 3 months after diagnosis.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2018, 15 C-PLA and 292 B-PLA were included. All C-PLA had a biliary origin and were polymicrobial. All patients with C-PLA had at least one comorbidity at risk for Candida infection and 7 (53.3%) presented with sepsis requiring an admission in intensive care unit. Median duration of antifungal treatment was 42 days [24-55]. In multivariate analysis, compared with B-PLA, a medical history of malignancy (OR 4.16; 95%CI 1.15-18.72) or liver abscess (OR 7.39; 95%CI 2.10-26.62), and sepsis with severity criteria (OR 3.52; 95%CI 1.07-11.90) were independently associated with the occurrence of C-PLA. In multivariate analysis, C-PLA was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (HR 3.08; 95%CI 1.38-11.22).

CONCLUSION

Candida liver abscesses in non-neutropenic is a rare and severe disease. The high rate of recurrence should lead to discuss a more intensive treatment.

Development and derivation of bacteremia prediction model in patients with hepatobiliary infection

INTRODUCTION

Hepatobiliary infections are common in the emergency department (ED), and the mortality rate for this condition is high. A suitable bacteremia prediction model would support prompt identification of bacteremia and appropriate management of hepatobiliary infections in the ED. Therefore, we attempted to produce a bacteremia prediction model with both internal and external validation for hepatobiliary infections in the ED.

METHODS

Patients with hepatobiliary infection were extracted from retrospective cohort databases of two tertiary hospitals from January 2018 to December 2019 and from January 2016 to December 2019, respectively. Independent risk factors were determined using multivariable logistic regression in a developmental cohort. We assigned a weighted value to predictive factors and developed a prediction model, which was validated both internally and externally. We assessed discrimination using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC).

RESULTS

One hospital cohort of 1568 patients was randomly divided into a developmental group of 927 patients (60%) and an internal validation group of 641 patients (40%), and 736 people from the other hospital cohort were used for external validation. Bacteremia rates were 20.5%, 18.1%, and 23.1% in the developmental, internal, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Nine significant factors were used for predicting bacteremia, including age, three vital signs, and five laboratory tests. After applying our bacteremia prediction rule to the validation cohort, 56.5% and 53.8% of the internal and external validation groups were classified as low-risk bacteremia groups (bacteremia rates: 8.6% and 13.9%, respectively). The AUCs were 0.727 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.686-0.767), 0.730 (95% CI: 0.679-0.781), and 0.715 (95% CI: 0.672-0.758) for the developmental, internal, and external validation cohorts, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for internal validation/external validation was 73.2%/67.6% and 63.0%/60.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A bacteremia prediction model for hepatobiliary infection might be useful to predict the risk of bacteremia. It might also reduce the need for blood culture in low-risk patients.

Evaluation of the contribution of shotgun metagenomics in the microbiological diagnosis of liver abscesses

BACKGROUND

Shotgun metagenomics (SMg) sequencing has gained a considerable interest, as it enables the detection of any microorganisms through a single analysis. Due to the limitations of standard microbiological approaches, the microbial documentation of liver abscesses (LA), which is crucial for their medical management, can be difficult. Here we aimed to compare the performance of SMg with standard approaches for the microbiological documentation of LA.

METHODS

In this retrospective study conducted at two centers, we compared the results of standard microbiology with metagenomics analysis of consecutive LA samples. For samples tested positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae, we compared the analysis of virulence and resistance genes using metagenomics data to whole-genome sequencing of corresponding isolates obtained in culture.

RESULTS

Out of the 62 samples included, standard approaches and SMg yielded documentation in 80.6% and 96.8%, respectively. In 37.1% (23/62) of cases, both methods showed identical results, whereas in 43.5% (27/62) of cases, the samples were positive by both methods, but SMg found additional species in 88.9% (24/27), mostly anaerobes. When the standard approaches were negative, the SMg was able to detect microorganisms in 80.0% of cases (8/10). Overall, SMg identified significantly more microorganisms than culture (414 vs.105; p<0.05). K. pneumoniae genome analysis was able to detect resistance and virulence genes with a level of sensitivity depending on the depth of sequencing.

DISCUSSION

Overall, we showed that SMg had better performance in detecting and identifying microorganisms from LA samples and could help characterizing strain's resistome and virulome. Although still costly and requiring specific skills and expensive equipment, MGs methods are set to expand in the future.

Management of Pyogenic Liver Abscesses: Contemporary Strategies and Challenges

Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) are a suppurative infection of the hepatic parenchyma responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. PLAs are categorized into a variety of mechanisms: (1) via the portal vein, (2) through the biliary tract, (3) via the hepatic artery, (4) from trauma, (5) contiguously via direct extension, and (6) cryptogenically. The pathogenesis of PLA, which informs treatment, can often be discerned based on host factors, clinical presentation, and causative microorganisms. The Streptococcus anginosus group, hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae , and multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens have emerged as microbiologically challenging organisms to treat. The identification of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae should prompt for assessment for metastatic spread and consideration of prolonged antimicrobial treatment. Abdominal imaging is indispensable in characterizing PLAs and facilitating source control interventions. Source control remains the most critical aspect of PLA management, followed by antimicrobial therapy. Empiric antibiotics for PLAs are informed by the suspected etiology of PLA formation. Duration of antimicrobial therapy is individualized and dependent on multiple components, including the success of achieving source control, host factors, mechanism of PLA development, and the illness course of the individual-factoring in clinical, biochemical, and radiographic parameters.

Clostridium perfringens Liver Abscess Disguised as Biliary Disease: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of the Literature

Liver abscesses caused by Clostridium perfringens are rare but rapidly fatal. In only a few days, patients progress from liver abscess to sepsis, intravascular hemolysis, multiple organ failure, and even death. These abscesses often occur in patients after trauma or surgery or in those with immunodeficiency. Because patients only show non-specific symptoms such as fever and abdominal pain in the early stage, they can easily be misdiagnosed and miss the therapeutic window, resulting in a poor prognosis. The diagnosis of Clostridium perfringens liver abscess mainly depends on computed tomography (CT), needle aspiration, and/or blood culture. After diagnosis, treatments such as antibiotic therapy, surgical abscess drainage, blood transfusion as needed, and correction of metabolic disturbances must be immediately administered to prevent severe complications. Here, we present two cases of liver abscess due to Clostridium perfringens infection. Both patients initially presented only with fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice, symptoms that were easily confused with cholangitis caused by cholelithiasis. The patients then progressed rapidly and, despite receiving antimicrobial and multimodal sepsis treatment, both eventually died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Clinicians should be on high alert for Clostridium perfringens liver abscesses disguised as biliary disease. Early diagnosis and treatment with the appropriate antibiotics and surgery are fundamental for the survival of the affected patients.

Pyogenic liver abscess complicated with endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae: A case report and Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a common surgical infectious disease caused by various pathogens. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a relatively recent cause, often affecting patients with low immunity. Endogenous endophthalmitis (EE), a rare and serious complication of PLA, may appear with eye symptoms before PLA. By reviewing a case of Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced PLA complicated with EE, we want to summarize the information about the characteristics, causes, and complications of PLA based on the literature review.

METHODS

This case report describes a 37-year-old male who had fever high to 39°C for 10 days experienced blurred vision followed by nonlight perception vision. He reported a history of diabetes irregularly taking oral medications and insulin therapy. Imaging examination found a large low-density area in the right lobe of the liver with an unclear border and vague surrounding fat gap. The blood culture was not positive. The culture of the drainage fluid from the liver puncture showed Klebsiella pneumonia. Blood and liver puncture drainage fluid were sent for microbial high-throughput gene detection with next-generation sequencing technology (NGS), which confirmed the diagnosis of Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced PLA complicated with EE.

RESULTS

The patient's surgical incision had healed well at discharge, and he could feel light at his left eye. But the patient was lost to follow-up since the third month after discharge.

CONCLUSION

By reviewing this case and summarize the information about the characteristics, causes, and complications of PLA based on the literature review, we concluded that it is necessary to promptly perform liver puncture drainage and empirically use antibiotics for patients with PLA, especially those with poor glycemic control, to avoid serious complications such as EE.

Does Liver Resection Remain a Viable Option in Patients With Pyogenic Liver Abscess? A Single-Center Experience

Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) are relatively rare but often fatal if left untreated. Antibiotic therapy combined with percutaneous procedures has replaced surgery as the cornerstone of treatment. However, open surgical drainage or liver resection may be a last resort. This study aimed to review our experience in treating PLA, with a focus on the conditions requiring partial liver resection as the last viable curative option. Medical records of patients with PLA admitted to Jordan Hospital between October 2014 through October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Medical and demographic data of all 43 patients admitted to our facility with a diagnosis of PLA were extracted. We reviewed these patients and extracted the cases that required surgical intervention. Four (three males and one female) of the 43 patients with PLA required surgical intervention. The underlying causes of liver abscesses were as follows: one traumatic due to shrapnel injury from an explosion, one following chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma, and two patients with no apparent etiology. All patients were diagnosed with a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast. Two patients had negative cultures. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics, and all underwent CT- or ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage or aspiration. All four patients required partial hepatic resection due to treatment failure or inaccessible percutaneous procedures with clinical improvement. Although antimicrobial and interventional therapy remains the primary treatment option in PLA, the surgical option with open surgical drainage or partial liver resection remains viable and curative in selected patients.

Giant Klebsiella pneumoniae pyogenic liver abscess in the left liver lobe presenting with dyspepsia and vaginal discharge

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) commonly occurs in the right liver lobe, causing the typical symptoms of fever and right upper quadrant pain. Less than one-third of cases occur in the left lobe. We describe an unusual presentation of a giant left-sided PLA that was compressing the stomach and surrounding venous vasculature, causing the respective symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux and vaginal discharge from secondary pelvic congestion syndrome. CT revealed a solitary 14 cm×10 cm×10 cm multiloculated lesion, replacing most of the left liver lobe. It was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and percutaneous drainage, resulting in complete resolution at 1-year follow-up. This case explores the predisposing risk factor of diabetes in PLA and its association with Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was the offending pathogen in our patient. We also discuss the phenomenon of secondary pelvic venous congestion syndrome and compare similar cases of left-sided PLA, highlighting the different modes of presentation and treatment options.

Enterococcal pyogenic liver abscesses: high risk of treatment failure and mortality

Enterococci are the most frequent gram-positive bacteria recovered from pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA). This study aims to analyze the impact of the presence of Enterococcus spp. on PLA outcome. We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics and outcome of all PLA cases in which Enterococcus spp. was isolated between January 2010 and September 2019 in a French university hospital and compared them to PLA without Enterococcus spp. Enterococci were recovered from 68 of the 359 (19%) PLA cases. Among the 78 isolates, Enterococcus faecalis (n = 37, 47.7%) and Enterococcus faecium (n = 32, 41%) were the most frequent. Enterococcal PLA were more often of biliary origin (79.4% versus 54.6%, p < 0.001) or post-surgical (35.3% versus 18.6%, p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed an independent association between the isolation of Enterococcus spp. and 3-month mortality (HR 2.51, p = 0.011), primary failure (HR 2.15, p = 0.006), but not with relapses (HR 0.86, p = 0.739). In the subgroup of enterococcal PLA, portal vein thrombosis was the only factor significantly associated with 3-month mortality (univariate HR 3.45, p = 0.023) or primary treatment failure (multivariate, HR 4.02, p = 0.006). Enterococcus spp. identification in a PLA is associated with a higher mortality and primary treatment failure.

Changes in clinical and CT manifestations related to liver abscesses in patients with vs. without basic diabetes mellitus before and after CT-guided interventional therapy: An observational study

PURPOSE

To explore differences in the changes of clinical and CT manifestations related to liver abscess before and after CT-guided interventional therapy between patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight consecutive patients with liver abscesses were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent upper abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scans before and after CT-guided interventional therapy. They were divided into two groups including the DM group (n=30) and the Non-DM group (n=28) if the liver abscess occurred in patients with and without DM, respectively. The changes in the clinical and CT manifestations related to liver abscess after CT-guided interventional therapy in both groups were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

After CT-guided interventional therapy, the length of hospital stay, white blood cell recovery time and drainage tube removal time in the DM group were longer than in the Non-DM group (all p-values < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the DM group was higher than in the Non-DM group (p < 0.05). As shown on CT, the postoperative reduced percentage of maximum diameter of abscess cavity and the reduction rate of edema band surrounding the liver abscess in the DM group were smaller than in the Non-DM group (both p-values < 0.05). The time intervals of the previous characteristic changes on CT before and after interventional therapy in the DM group were longer than in the Non-DM group (all p-values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The liver abscesses patients with DM could not have a faster recovery and better therapeutic effect than those without DM after the CT-guided interventional therapy.

Surgical Emergencies in the ICU

Surgical emergencies are common in the critical care setting and require prompt diagnosis and management. Here, we discuss some of the surgical emergencies involving the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and genitourinary sites. In addition, foreign body aspiration and necrotizing soft-tissue infections have been elaborated. Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors, keys examination findings, diagnostic modalities, and medical as well as surgical treatment options for these potentially fatal illnesses.

Early percutaneous catheter drainage in protecting against prolonged fever among patients with pyogenic liver abscess: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) has been viewed as first-line treatment for pyogenic liver abscess (PLA), yet detailed guidance is lacking for best practice of PCD. This study investigated characteristics of patients with PLA who had received PCD, identified factors associated with prolonged fever, and aimed to evaluate the relationship between timing of PCD and clinical improvement.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with PLA who had undergone PCD over a 7-year period. PCD performed when the liquefaction degree of abscesses was less than 30% and/or within 1 week after fever onset was defined as early PCD. Patients were grouped and analysed based on the timing of PCD (early vs. delayed). Factors associated with prolonged fever were also analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 231 patients with PLA, 81 treated with PCD were included in the study after exclusion. The size of abscesses ranged from 3.4 to 16 cm in diameter. Interestingly, the abscesses were predominantly multiloculated in this cohort (82.7%). The most common pathogen isolated from pus was Klebsiella pneumoniae (60.5%), followed by Escherichia coli (8.6%). The duration of fever was significantly shortened with early PCD as compared to delayed PCD intervention (p = .042). No statistical differences were found between the two groups with regard to catheter adjustment and salvage drainage. Maximum body temperature and diameter of abscess > 7.5 cm were found to be associated with prolonged fever while early PCD was inversely related to prolonged fever. Multivariate analysis suggested that early PCD treatment was an independent protective factor of prolonged fever (p = .030).

CONCLUSIONS

Large abscesses with loculation could be successfully treated with PCD, and early PCD protected patients with PLA from prolonged fever. Our findings suggest that early intervention should be provided if PCD is indicated in clinical practice.KEY MESSAGESLarge abscesses and multiloculated abscesses can be treated with percutaneous catheter drainage.Early percutaneous catheter drainage is identified as a protective factor of prolonged fever among patients with pyogenic liver abscesses.Early intervention should be provided if percutaneous catheter drainage is indicated for pyogenic liver abscesses.

Platelet-to-White Blood Cell Ratio: A Feasible Biomarker for Pyogenic Liver Abscess

The platelet-to-white blood cell ratio (PWR) has been reported to predict the severity of patients with various diseases. However, no previous studies have assessed the use of the PWR as a prognostic marker for pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA). This observational retrospective study was performed between January 2008 and December 2017, including 833 patients with PLA from multiple centers. The enrolled patients, on average, had a PWR of 17.05, and 416 patients had a PWR lower than 17.05. A total of 260 patients (31.2%) with PLA showed complications of metastatic infection, pleural effusion and abscess rupture. A low PWR level was identified as a strong risk factor for metastatic infection and pleural effusion. The low PWR group also had a longer hospital stay. In the multivariate analysis, old age, anemia, albumin and CRP levels and unidentified pathogens were significant factors for low PWR levels. A low PWR, old age, male sex, abscess size, albumin, ALP and unidentified causative pathogens showed significant associations with a hospital stay longer than 28 days. As a result, PLA patients presenting with a low PWR were shown to have more complications and a poor prognosis. Considering its cost-effectiveness, PWR could be a novel biomarker used to predict a prognosis of PLA.

Aging is Associated with Prolonged Hospitalisation Stay in Pyogenic Liver Abscess-A 1:1 Propensity Score Matched Study in Elderly Versus Non-Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND

Mortality of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is high ranging 10%-40%. Old age predicts outcomes in many diseases but there is paucity of data on PLA outcomes. We aim to compare the morbidity and mortality between elderly and non-elderly in PLA.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study from 2007-2011 comparing elderly (≥ 65 years old) and non-elderly (< 65 years old) with PLA. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Baseline clinical profile and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

There were 213 patients (elderly patients = 90 [42.3%], non-elderly patients = 123 [57.7%]). Overall median age is 62 (interquartile range [IQR] = 53-74) years old. PSM resulted in 102 patients (51 per arm). Length of hospitalisation stay (LOS) was significantly longer in elderly patients in both unmatched (16 [IQR = 10-24.5] versus 11 [IQR = 8-19] days; P < 0.001) and matched cohorts (17 [IQR = 13-27] versus 11 [IQR = 7-19] days; P = 0.001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in elderly patients in the unmatched cohort (elderly patients = 21.1%, non-elderly patients = 7.3%; P = 0.003) but was insignificant following PSM (elderly patients = 15.7%, non-elderly patients = 9.8%; P = 0.219). Duration of antibiotic therapy and need for percutaneous drainage (PD) were comparable before and after PSM.

CONCLUSION

Age ≥ 65 years old is associated with longer LOS. In-hospital mortality though higher in elderly patients, was not statistically significant.

Outcomes after early versus delayed antibiotic treatment of liver abscess in Japan: A nationwide retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of antibiotic administration in patients with a liver abscess undergoing liver aspiration or drainage is unknown.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, a national inpatient database in Japan.

RESULTS

A total of 34,424 patients who were emergently hospitalized due to liver abscess between July 2010 and March 2020 were included. Of these, 31,248 (90.8%) received antibiotics on the day of admission (early antibiotics group), and 3176 (9.2%) did not (delayed antibiotics group). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that in-hospital mortality of patients in the early antibiotics group was significantly lower than that in the delayed antibiotics group (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.72; p <0.001). Patients in the early antibiotics group had a significantly lower proportion of clinical deterioration (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.84; p <0.001) and shorter length of stay (adjusted difference, -5.2 days; 95% confidence interval, -6.2 to -4.1 days; p <0.001) than those in the delayed antibiotics group.

CONCLUSIONS

Starting antibiotic treatment on the day of admission was associated with lower mortality, a lower proportion of clinical deterioration, and a shorter length of hospital stay.

Demographics, Radiological Findings, and Clinical Outcomes of Klebsiella pneumonia vs. Non-Klebsiella pneumoniae Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a common cause of hepatobiliary sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is the most common organism causing PLA. Evidence is scarce on the demographics, radiological findings, and outcomes of KPPLA versus non-KPPLA (N-KPPLA). PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus were systematically searched until 14 May 2022 for studies comparing KPPLA and N-KPPLA. Exclusion criteria were single-arm studies. Primary outcomes were mortality (30-day/in-hospital) and metastatic complications. There were 16 studies, including 5127 patients (KPPLA n = 3305, N-KPPLA n = 1822). Patients with KPPLA were younger (mean difference: −2.04 years, p = 0.02). History of hepatobiliary disease (Odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.46) and malignancy (OR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.42) were less common in KPPLA. KPPLA was associated with lower incidence of multiple abscesses (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.76, p < 0.001) and bilobar abscesses (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.74, p < 0.001). KPPLA has higher overall metastatic complications (KPPLA 9.7% vs. N-KPPLA 4.8%, OR 3.16, 95% CI: 2.00, 4.99, p < 0.001), but lower mortality (KPPLA 3.9% vs. N-KPPLA 7.6%, OR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.78, p < 0.001). Trial sequential analysis showed conclusive evidence that KPPLA has lower mortality than N-KPPLA. In conclusion, KPPLA has lower mortality than N-KPPLA.

Metastatic Klebsiella Pneumoniae in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Rare, Atypical Presentation of Klebsiella Syndrome

Metastatic Klebsiella pneumoniae (MKP) is a rare, atypical presentation of Klebsiella syndrome. The disease primarily affects patients with underlying immunocompromised status, but its prevalence in immunocompetent patients without any underlying illness is rare. We present a rare case of MKP in a 41-year-old Caucasian male without prior comorbidities who presented with blurry vision and was found to have MKP. The current case report also discusses the diagnostic modalities, complications, and treatment options of MKP.

Unexpected death from hepatic abscess 16 months after toothbrush ingestion

The development of a hepatic abscess secondary to foreign body (FB) ingestion remains rare in forensic practice. Herein, we present a case of a prisoner who died in the hospital and a forensic autopsy was performed to confirm the cause of death. A 14.5-cm-long toothbrush handle was found in the duodenum and had penetrated the right lobe of the liver, consistent with the repeated abdominal pain in his clinical history. The clinical history and investigation confirmed that he had ingested the toothbrush handle 16 months prior. This case highlights a rare complication of intentional ingestion of foreign bodies, and pathologists should be aware of this rare entity which links hepatic abscess and FB ingestion.

Therapy of pyogenic liver abscess with a primarily unknown cause

Purpose

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a collection of pus in the liver, often without a known direct cause. There is discord on the best diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. We aimed to examine these questions in our patient cohort.

Methods

A total of 66 out of 309 patients with PLA at our tertiary referral center between 2012 and 2020 had a primarily unknown cause. We analyzed PLA configuration, comorbidities, and whether an underlying cause could be found later. Therapy was sorted by antibiotics alone, percutaneous drainage, and primary surgery. Success was assessed by a change of initial therapy, in-hospital mortality, and mean hospital stay.

Results

Overall mortality was 18%; in 55%, a causative condition could be found. CRP, GGT, size, and multiple localization go along with higher mortality. Antibiotics alone had a failure rate of 82%. Percutaneous drainage was successful in 70% of cases. Surgery was mainly reserved for failed previous non-surgical treatment and had in-hospital mortality of 12%.

Conclusions

PLA goes along with high mortality. In the majority of all patients, a causative condition can be identified by detailed diagnostics. Percutaneous drainage together with antibiotics is the therapy of choice and is successful in 70% of cases. If drainage is insufficient or impossible, surgery is an effective alternative.

P. micra and F. necrophorum: Hepatic Abscesses in a Healthy Soldier

Parvimonas micra (P. micra) and Fusobacterium necrophorum (F. necrophorum) are two pathogens known to cause odontogenic and oropharyngeal infections. It is exceedingly rare for these bacteria to cause coinfection and even systemic infection. There is limited literature on liver abscesses and bacteremia involving P. micra. Most cases are found in elderly patients with associated gastrointestinal malignancy (24%) or laryngeal pharynx malignancy (28%). However, a substantial portion of described cases were unable to identify a source (36%). A 36-year-old, otherwise healthy male presented for fevers and chills for 2 weeks. After testing negative for initial infectious workup, including COVID-19 multiple times, he was found to have multiple liver abscesses which grew P. micra and F. necrophorum. This case highlights a rare coinfection of hepatic abscesses in an otherwise healthy young immunocompetent adult with a solitary dental caries, resulting in septic shock.

Large retrospective study analysing predictive factors of primary treatment failure, recurrence and death in pyogenic liver abscesses

PURPOSE

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a severe disease, which unfavourable evolution remains frequent. Our objective was to assess predictive factors of unfavourable outcome in patients with PLA.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study in a French tertiary care centre. All patients admitted for PLA between 2010 and 2018 were included. Unfavourable course was defined as the occurrence of a primary treatment failure (PTF), recurrence of PLA after an initial cure, or death within 3 months after diagnosis. Hazard ratios (95% CI) were calculated with multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

302 patients were included among which 91 (30.1%) patients had an unfavourable outcome because of PTF, recurrence or death in 55 (18.2%), 28 (9.2%) and 32 (10.6%) patients, respectively. Hepatic metastases (HR 2.08; 95% CI 1.04-4.15), a nosocomial infection (2.25; 1.14-4.42), portal thrombosis (2.12; 1.14-3.93), and the isolation of Enterococcus spp. (2.18; 1.22- 3.90) were independently associated with PTF. Ischemic cholangitis (6.30; 2.70-14.70) and the isolation of Streptococcus spp. (3.72; 1.36-10.16) were associated with the risk of recurrence. Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.30 per one point; 95% CI 1.15-1.46; p < 0.001), portal thrombosis (3.53; 1.65-7.56) and the presence of multi-drug-resistant organisms (3.81; 1.73-8.40) were associated with mortality within 3 months following PLA diagnosis. PLA drainage was the only factor associated with a lower mortality (0.14; 0.06-0.34).

CONCLUSION

Identification of specific risk factors may help to improve the management of PLA and to elaborate targeted recommendations according to patient's and disease's characteristics.

Cardiac tamponade due to perforation of a Roseomonas mucosa pyogenic hepatic abscess as initial presentation of hepatoid carcinoma

Hepatic abscesses can rarely cause pericardial disease by erosion into the pericardial space and present with haemodynamic instability due cardiac tamponade. While rare, these dramatic presentations are more often due to amoebic abscesses than bacterial abscesses. Importantly, a cause must be found for any cryptogenic hepatic abscess regardless of presentation, as there is a high association with underlying malignancy. We report a previously healthy man in his 30s who presented with cardiac tamponade from perforation of a Roseomonas mucosa pyogenic hepatic abscess into the pericardium in the absence of bacteremia and biliary disease. One year later, he was found to have diffusely metastatic hepatoid carcinoma.

Large Solitary Pyogenic Liver Abscesses: A Review of Their Management at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background and objective

Liver abscesses are one of the common surgical diseases to be treated as an emergency in any tertiary care hospital in India. The formation of abscesses in the liver is still a major problem and associated with significant morbidity in developing countries. We come across all types of liver abscesses, such as amoebic (most common), pyogenic, mixed, and occasionally fungal. There have been several studies on the percutaneous modality of treatment for pyogenic liver abscesses. Most of the studies suggest that percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) offers a better approach than aspirations for treating pyogenic liver abscesses. However, a few recent studies suggest that percutaneous aspiration leads to equally good results when compared to percutaneous drainage. In this study, we aimed to review the management of solitary large pyogenic liver abscesses and to assess the effectiveness of ultrasonography (USG)-guided aspiration in the procedure. 

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out at the Department of General Surgery of our institute. In this study, a total of 27 patients treated for solitary pyogenic liver abscess were included. All patients with a large liver abscess greater than 5 cm without the features of frank peritonitis were included. These patients were followed up regularly for six months.

Results

The single-attempt USG-guided aspiration was successful in 70.3% of patients. Repeat USG-guided aspiration was performed in 18.5% of patients. In 7.4% of patients, a USG-guided percutaneous pigtail catheter was placed. And only 3.7% of cases required exploratory laparotomy. 

Conclusion

Based on our findings, USG-guided aspiration is a fairly efficient method for treating a large solitary pyogenic abscess with acceptable results, shorter hospital stays, and minimal complications.

Pyogenic Liver Abscess: Contemporary Trends in a Tertiary Institute

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition. In recent years, advances in diagnostics and management have led to early diagnosis and treatment and decreased mortality. We present recent data from a large series of patients with PLA and examine the trends in the management of PLA over a period of 50 years.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients admitted to the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Israel, between January 2011 and December 2021 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of PLA were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

: Ninety-five patients with PLA were identified. Thirty-eight (40%) were female. The median patient age was 66 years (range 18-93). The diagnosis of PLA in all patients was confirmed with abdominal computed tomography (CT). In twenty patients (21.1%), PLA was not diagnosed by the initial abdominal US. Most abscesses were right-sided. Biliary tract origin was the most common underlying cause of PLA (n = 57, 60%), followed by cryptogenic etiology (n = 28, 30%). Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus species were most commonly identified. The most common primary treatment modality was percutaneous drainage (PD), which was performed in 81 patients (85.3%). Fourteen patients (14.7%) were treated medically without intervention, and two patients (2.1%) were treated surgically following a failure of PD. Four patients died as a direct result of PLA.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients diagnosed with PLA are older, the male predominance is less pronounced, and the offending pathogens are likely to originate from the biliary tract. This study questions the utility of abdominal US as the initial diagnostic imaging in patients with suspected PLA (versus CT) and demonstrates improved outcomes for patients with PLA over the years.

Septic Portal Vein Thrombosis, Clinical Presentation, and Management

Pylephlebitis, otherwise known as septic portal vein thrombosis, is an infective suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein and/or its intra-hepatic branches. It is a diagnosis that is frequently missed but easily treated with antibiotics. Therefore, it should be considered early on in any patient presenting with fever, abdominal pain, leukocytosis, and evidence of portal vein thrombosis on a CT scan. In this case report, we discuss a case of pylephlebitis as well as the etiologies, diagnosis, and treatment of septic portal vein thrombosis.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Increases Pyogenic Liver Abscess Risk: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Background/Aims

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase gastric pH and alter the gut microbiome. An increased risk for infectious diseases has been reported in PPI users. However, little is known about the association of PPI use with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) incidence risk.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cohort study using data from a nationwide representative sample of the Korean general population followed up for 10 years (January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2013). We identified PPI prescriptions and considered PPI as a timevarying variable. Proportional hazards regression model was used for incident PLA comparing PPI use versus non-use. Propensity score matching was also conducted.

Results

During the 4 209 229 person-years of follow-up, 58 595 participants had at least 1 PPI prescription and 541 patients developed liver abscess. The age-, sex-, residential area-, and income-adjusted hazard ratio for PLA incidence with PPI use was 4.19 (95% CI, 2.54- 6.92). The association was observed in fully adjusted models (hazard ratio 3.88; 95% CI, 2.33-6.44). The positive association between PPI use and PLA was consistent in all subgroups analyzed and in propensity score matching group.

Conclusion

The present data indicate that PPI use is associated with an increased PLA risk. Therefore, it is necessary to prescribe PPIs with clear indication and to avoid improper use of PPIs.

Impact of antibiotic timing relative to percutaneous aspiration on culture positivity rate and clinical outcomes: A retrospective study of patients with pyogenic liver abscess

The optimal timing of antibiotic administration relative to liver abscess aspiration is debatable. This retrospective cohort study investigated whether the timing affects the abscess culture positivity rate and clinical outcomes. Twenty-nine patients with 30 percutaneously drained liver abscess cases were analyzed. Antibiotics were administered before aspiration (pre-aspiration antibiotics) in 22 cases and following aspiration (post-aspiration antibiotics) in 8 cases (i.e., 1 patient underwent aspiration twice, both before and following antibiotics). Both groups demonstrated similar patient characteristics, short time to aspiration, and high antibiotic appropriateness. Most patients were immunocompetent and non-septic. Pre-aspiration antibiotics did not reduce the culture yield (95% with pre-aspiration antibiotics vs. 100% with post-aspiration antibiotics; p = 1). Post-aspiration antibiotics were not associated with higher mortality, longer length of hospitalization, or an increased rate of clinical deterioration following aspiration. With appropriate antibiotic and aspiration, antibiotics timing can be either before or after aspiration without compromising the culture positivity rate and clinical outcomes.

Hepatosplenic Abscess From Klebsiella pneumoniae in Poorly Controlled Diabetic

Invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae infection and pyogenic liver abscess in patients with underlying diabetes mellitus has been well described over the past 3 decades, predominantly in the Southeast Asian population, especially in Taiwan and Korea. K pneumoniae has now become the most common causative pathogen of pyogenic liver abscess in Asian countries. This shift from Escherichia coli to K pneumoniae may also be increasingly occurring in the United States of America and European countries. Compared with the >80% incidence described in Taiwan, the incidence in the United States is still reported to be lower, around 30% to 40%. However, as more evidence and reports come to light, it has become of prime importance to recognize Klebsiella as a significant emerging cause of metastatic infections in patients with uncontrolled diabetes in the United States and not just Southeast Asia, given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the condition. In this article, we discuss the case of a 53-year-old African American female who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis and was subsequently found to have K pneumoniae pyogenic liver abscess primarily in the left hepatic lobe, bacteremia, and septic metastases to the spleen. She required extensive percutaneous drainage of abscesses and a prolonged course of multiple antibiotics. This case illustrates the growing incidence of invasive K pneumoniae infection in the diabetic population in the United States, and better patient outcomes from prompt recognition and treatment.

Is the Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors a Predisposing Factor for Pyogenic Liver Abscesses?

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase gastric pH by reducing acid production. The resulting alkaline milieu in the stomach increases the risk of bacterial translocation. This study aimed to investigate if there is a correlation between PPI use and developing pyogenic liver abscesses.

Methods

In this retrospective case-control analysis, we studied adult patients diagnosed with cryptogenic liver abscess at Northwell hospitals between 2015 and 2019. Adult patients with the diagnosis of liver abscess were included. We excluded patients with history of liver abscess prior to admission, biliary disease, hepatobiliary malignancy, or intra-abdominal infections. A group of randomly selected patients without liver abscess from the same hospitals’ database were enrolled as the control group. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding factors.

Results

We identified 277 patients diagnosed with first episode of pyogenic liver abscess. Cases were compared to 554 controls. Klebsiella pneumonia was the most common pathogen. PPI use was associated with an increased risk of developing a first episode of pyogenic liver abscess in univariate (odds ratio (OR): 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70 - 3.27), and multivariate analysis (adjusted OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.55 - 3.32).

Conclusion

This study is the first US population-based analysis to demonstrate that PPI use is associated with increased risk of developing pyogenic liver abscesses. Further prospective studies are needed to shed more light on this association and better evaluate the impact of dose and duration of PPI exposure.

Spontaneous rupture of pyogenic liver abscess with subcapsular hemorrhage mimicking ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Spontaneous rupture of PLA (pyogenic liver abscess) is an extremely rare and life-threatening event. Ruptured PLA is very difficult to distinguish from malignant HCC (hepatocellular cancer) rupture or cholangiocarcinoma rupture on CT (computed tomography) scan.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We describe the case of a 71-year-old man with fever, right upper abdominal pain, nausea with intermittent vomiting, and general fatigue. He had no medical or surgical history.

DIAGNOSIS

CT scan showed a hypodense mass in right hepatic lobe and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed a heterogenous mass of ∼6 cm in segment VI of the liver and heterogenous fluid in the subcapsular region. We made a tentative diagnosis of HCC rupture with subcapsular hemorrhage based on these findings.

INTERVENTION

After improving the patient's condition by administering empirical therapy consisting of intravenous antibiotics and fluids, we performed surgical exploration. Gross examination of the abdomen showed that almost the entire right hepatic lobe was hemorrhagic and affected by peritonitis. Therefore, we performed right hepatectomy. The intraoperative frozen biopsy revealed suspicious PLA with marked necrosis, neutrophil infiltration, and hemorrhagic rupture, although no malignant tissue or fungus was observed. The postoperative secondary pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of PLA with hemorrhagic rupture.

OUTCOMES

The patient was discharged 13 days after the operation. Follow-up CT was performed 5 months after discharge and revealed no abnormal findings.

LESSONS

A high index of suspicion is key to preventing misdiagnosis of ruptured PLA and improving prognosis. Furthermore, even if rupture of the PLA is initially localized, delayed peritonitis may occur during medical treatment. Therefore, vigilant monitoring is essential.

Rapidly developing, large pyogenic liver abscesses in the setting of pancreatic cancer

We report a case of multiple, giant, polymicrobial pyogenic liver abscesses that developed within 3 months in a patient with a recent pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He presented with fatigue, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, dyspnea, and lower extremity edema and was treated with intravenous antibiotics and percutaneous hepatic abscess catheter placement. Abscess fluid cultures were polymicrobial. Unfortunately, he developed septic shock with bacteremia and multiorgan failure and died after 6 days of hospitalization. Pyogenic liver abscesses are increasingly common in the United States, especially those associated with malignancy.

Successful laparoscopic management of a hepatic abscess caused by a fish bone

BACKGROUND

Hepatic abscess is a rare condition but comes with heavy consequences if not diagnosed and managed properly. Early detection of this pathology is challenging because of the variety and lack of specificity of symptoms but is necessary for accurate management.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of pyogenic liver abscess secondary to the migration of an ingested fish bone in a 74-year-old female. We used laparoscopic surgery to drain the abscess, remove the foreign body responsible and look for the perforation site. Parenteral antibiotherapy was added to the surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of hepatic abscess caused by the migration of a foreign body remains a challenge. In our opinion, laparoscopic surgery associated with antibiotics is the safest and most effective therapeutic option.

Clinical characteristics and management of 1572 patients with pyogenic liver abscess: A 12-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) are space-occupying lesions in the liver that produce high morbidity and mortality. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of abscesses is different depending on the bacterial culture results and require different strategies for management. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with PLA.

METHODS

Clinical features, laboratory tests and etiology of PLA between 2006 to 2011 and 2012 to 2017 in a single hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence and mortality of PLA caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were compared and the risk factors for multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) and endophthalmitis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 1,572 PLA patients, the proportion with PLA increased from 333 (21.2%) in 2006-2011 to 1,239 (78.8%) in 2012-2017 without any investigation and treatment procedure differences. K pneumoniae was the main isolate in analysed pus cultures (85.6%). The mortality rate of patients with K pneumoniae infection was lower in the latter period (6.7% vs 0.7%, P = .035). Multivariate analyses revealed that age, fever, MODS and length of hospital stay were factors affecting poor prognosis (death + unhealed/uncured) in PLA patients after treatment and that cardiovascular disease, pleural effusion and pulmonary infection were risk factors for MODS, while diabetes mellitus was the only risk factor for endophthalmitis. Most patients (95.5%) with PLA recovered after abscess drainage/puncture and antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Pleural effusion, fever, MODS and length of hospital stays were factors useful in predicting PLA outcomes.

Hepatic Candidiasis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Diagnostic Challenge

Hepatic candidiasis is a manifestation of disseminated candidiasis, which typically presents in immunocompromised patients. Focal hepatic candidiasis in immunocompetent patients, however, is infrequent/extremely rare. We present the case of an immunocompetent female patient who presented with respiratory distress and right-sided pleural effusion. The pleural fluid tap did not grow anything, and a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a right liver lobe subcapsular collection. CT-guided aspiration and culture resulted in Candida albicans growth. The patient responded to oral fluconazole, and a follow-up CT scan demonstrated resolution of the collection. Although hepatic candidiasis rarely occurs in immunocompetent patients, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of hepatic abscesses, as timely diagnosis and management are crucial in conferring a good prognosis.

Maximal diameter of liver abscess independently predicts prolonged hospitalization and poor prognosis in patients with pyogenic liver abscess

Background/aims

This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with prolonged hospital stay and in-hospital mortality in patients with pyogenic liver abscess.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with pyogenic liver abscess who were admitted between 2005 and 2018 at three tertiary hospitals in Jeonbuk province, South Korea. Prolonged hospital stay was defined as a duration of hospital admission of more than 21 days.

Results

A total of 648 patients (406 men and 242 women) diagnosed with pyogenic liver abscess were enrolled in the study. The mean maximal diameter of the liver abscess was 5.4 ± 2.6 cm, and 74.9% of the lesions were single. The three groups were divided according to the maximal diameter of the abscess. Laboratory parameters indicated a more severe inflammatory state and higher incidence of complications and extrahepatic manifestations with increasing abscess size. Rates of percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) insertion, multiple PCD drainage, and salvage procedures as well as duration of drainage were also higher in the large liver abscess group. Of note, the duration of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher in the large hepatic abscess group. A multivariate analysis revealed that underlying diabetes mellitus, hypoalbuminemia, high baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and procalcitonin levels, and large maximal abscess diameter were independent factors associated with prolonged hospital stay. Regarding in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury at admission and maximal diameter of the abscess were independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

A large maximal diameter of the liver abscess at admission indicated prolonged hospitalization and poor prognosis. More aggressive treatment strategies with careful monitoring are warranted in patients with large liver abscesses.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-05873-7.

Typical imaging finding of hepatic infections: a pictorial essay

Hepatic infections are frequent in clinical practice. Although epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data may suggest hepatic infection in certain cases, imaging is nearly always necessary to confirm the diagnosis, assess disease extension and its complications, evaluate the response to treatment, and sometimes to make differential diagnoses such as malignancies. Ultrasound (US) is usually the first-line investigation, while computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide better characterization and a more precise assessment of local extension, especially biliary and vascular. The purpose of this article is to describe the typical features and main complications of common hepatic infections. Familiarity with the radiological features of this entity can help suggest the correct diagnosis and the need for further studies as well as determine appropriate and timely treatment.

The Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Anaerobic Bacteria in Major Liver Resection

(1) Background: Anaerobic infections in hepatobiliary surgery have rarely been addressed. Whereas infectious complications during the perioperative phase of liver resections are common, there are very limited data on the prevalence and clinical role of anaerobes in this context. Given the risk of contaminated bile in liver resections, the goal of our study was to investigate the prevalence and outcome of anaerobic infections in major hepatectomies. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the charts of 245 consecutive major hepatectomies that were performed at the department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery of the University Hospital of Tuebingen between July 2017 and August 2020. All microbiological cultures were screened for the prevalence of anaerobic bacteria and the patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. (3) Results: Of the 245 patients, 13 patients suffered from anaerobic infections. Seven had positive cultures from the biliary tract during the primary procedure, while six had positive culture results from samples obtained during the management of complications. Risk factors for anaerobic infections were preoperative biliary stenting (p = 0.002) and bile leaks (p = 0.009). All of these infections had to be treated by intervention and adjunct antibiotic treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics. (4) Conclusions: Anaerobic infections are rare in liver resections. Certain risk factors trigger the antibiotic coverage of anaerobes.

Epidemiological, Clinical, Microbiological, and Risk Factors of Pyogenic Liver Abscess: An 18-years Retrospective Single-Center Analysis

Background: A pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is the most frequently observed subtype of liver abscess in the western world. The disease has been subjected to a remarkable change. We aimed to investigate the recent trend in pyogenic liver abscess’s epidemiology, clinical, microbiological, and risk factors features.Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records was done for the patients diagnosed with PLA from January 2000 to June 2018. The institutional review board approved the study.Results: We identified 113 patients with PLA, 60% were males, with a mean age of 54 ± 20 years, and 58 ± 19 years old for males and females, respectively (p = 0.298), with an increasing annual incidence in 2012–2013, and 2016–2017 (Figure 1). Fever and right upper quadrant abdominal pain were the most common symptoms (65%, 55%, respectively). Forty percent of the patients had Biliary tract diseases like cholecystitis or biliary intervention as cholecystectomy or ERCP, and 20% had diabetes mellitus (Table 1). The abscess culture was obtained in 96 cases, 37 cases were negative (39%), 27 cases showed polymicrobial growth (28%) and 15 cases showed Escherichia coli (16%) (Figure 2). The abscess cultures were mostly negative in the first 5 years, then changed to Streptococcus anginosus, and polymicrobial growth in the last four years.Conclusions: PLA is more common in males with a recent increase in incidence. Culture negative PLA was observed in patients who were empirically treated with antibiotics. Polymicrobial was the most common identifiable organism with a change in the microbiological trend every 5 years.