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Irrigation of liver abscess: proposal of a novel method and possible indications.

We present here two suggestive cases in considering the advantages and disadvantages of irrigation of pyogenic liver abscess: one patient developed an intrahepatic hematoma as an unusual sequela, while the other was successfully treated by abscess irrigation, overcoming failure of percutaneous catheter drainage and the patient's seriously ill condition. Based on these cases, we propose a novel method of liver abscess irrigation via percutaneous drainage tubes with the following three characteristics: 1) use of a drip infusion apparatus for irrigant instillation and drainage in order to avoid elevation of pressure in the abscess, a source of potential life-threatening sequelae, 2) addition of contrast medium to irrigant, and 3) employment of computed tomography in dynamic equilibrium of irrigant in order to evaluate the efficacy of current irrigation. Of interest was the parenchymal enhancement around the irrigated liver abscess revealed by computed tomography with this method, which suggested that dissemination of abscess contents may be inevitable with irrigation. Although the indications for liver abscess irrigation must be considered carefully given the critical sequelae potentially associated with it, the method we present can be used as a second-line trial exclusively for liver abscesses refractory to first-line treatment with percutaneous catheter drainage or needle aspiration, since it can be used not only as a therapeutic procedure with mechanical washing or dilution of abscess contents but also as a diagnostic aid enabling more effective subsequent treatment by defining the areas in which drainage and irrigation is not effective.

Aged↗

[A clinical study of pyogenic liver abscess at two different local hospitals].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite the improvement of personal and social hygiene, pyogenic liver abscess is still a common disease. We compared the incidence, infection route, underlying disease and major complications between two different local hospitals. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of 100 patients with pyogenic liver abscess who were treated at Seoul and Guri Hanyang University Hospital from 1999 to 2003. RESULTS: There were 64 males and 36 females in the study group; they were aged from 19 to 94 years with a mean of 56.5 years. Every year 19 to 23 pyogenic liver abscess patients were admitted to both hospitals. The most common organism isolated was Klebsiella pneumoniae in both local hospitals. In the Seoul hospital, diabetes (40.9%) was most common associated condition. In the Guri hospital, biliary tract disease or a history of hepatobiliary surgery (54.2%) was the most common associated condition. Catheter drainage and/or percutaneous needle aspiration were established as the standard treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS: In both regional hospitals, the incidence of pyogenic liver abscess did not decrease and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common organism. Diabetes and biliary tract disease, including, previous hepatobiliary surgery, were the most identifiable underlying disease.

Adult↗

Morbidity and mortality in children with pyogenic liver abscess.

Review of our experience from 1975 to 1986 and a literature survey disclosed 109 children with pyogenic liver abscess. During this time, newer imaging techniques, especially ultrasonography and computed tomography, facilitated the prompt diagnosis of cystic lesions within the liver parenchyma. The incidence of pyogenic liver abscess at our institution (25 per 100,000 pediatric hospital admissions) was higher than previously reported. Since the majority of abscesses were located in the right lobe of the liver, patients were most effectively treated with percutaneous drainage of the abscess cavity. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial agent responsible for pyogenic liver abscess; however, anaerobic organisms were noted as a major group of pathogens and represented 27% of our patients. Furthermore, one patient was discovered to have multiple microabscesses of the liver associated with cat-scratch disease; pleomorphic gram-negative bacilli were not cultured. Among the 109 patients, the overall mortality of 15% was considerably better than that for children with PLA before 1975. The improved survival may be related to more prompt diagnosis of pyogenic liver abscess followed by evacuation of the liver abscess and antibiotic therapy.

Adolescent↗

Liver abscess in Western Australia (1974-1983).

Over the 10 year period 1974-1983, 91 cases of liver abscess presented to the major teaching hospitals in Perth, Western Australia. Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) accounted for 37 (or 41%) of these cases, an incidence inflated by Perth's proximity to south-east Asia where amoebiasis is endemic. This frequent recent history of contact, the availability of sensitive and specific diagnostic serology and a clinical presentation usually suggesting pathology in the right upper quadrant, accounted for the consistently short delay in diagnosis of ALA. There were no deaths from ALA and a low incidence of complications such as secondary infection or rupture into the thorax. On the other hand, pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) commonly presented in a more non-specific manner and in an older age group, contributing to a long delay in diagnosis. Despite improvements in liver imaging techniques and advances in antibiotic and general supportive therapy, mortality for PLA remains high, 20% in this series. Fatal PLA was associated with multiple abscesses not amenable to drainage, increasing age, delay in diagnosis and the presence of septicaemia.

Adolescent↗

Percutaneous drainage of liver abscess complicated by hepato-venous fistula.

Severe systemic sepsis after percutaneous drainage of liver abscess is rare. We report two cases of hepato-venous fistulas between hepatic abscesses and hepatic/portal veins documented on abscessography during percutaneous drainage of liver abscesses, which resulted in severe sepsis and a stormy post drainage clinical course. Liver abscesses can rupture into the portal and hepatic veins causing worsening of systemic sepsis especially when they are in close proximity to each other. During percutaneous drainage, care must also be taken to avoid overinjection of the abscess, which can worsen the fistula. The ensuing sepsis is severe and requires aggressive intensive medical care and ventilatory support to tide the patient over the septic episode.

Aged↗

Pyogenic liver abscesses in a child spreading to pulmonary and subcutaneous tissues: case report.

Pyogenic liver abscess is a rare and life-threatening disease in children. Our case is noteworthy because of the rapid advancement of liver abscesses without any other systemic disorder. A 16-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with fatigue, pallor, weight loss and high fever. In physical examination a fluctuating mass was observed under the scapular area and hepatosplenomegaly was found. In computed tomography, three septated cystic lesions which looked like abscesses were demonstrated in the liver. The abscess was drained through percutaneous route. Right pleural empyema with clinical features of adult respiratory distress syndrome appeared after the first day of treatment. Bacteroides sp. was isolated from pus. On the twentieth day of the therapy, control abdominal computed tomography revealed two new abscesses in the liver. They were drained and the antibiotic therapy was continued with ticarcillin-clavulanate, fluconazole and levofloxacin. By the end of the first week of the therapy, the fever of the patient had abated. This therapy was continued for four weeks; 15 days after the end of the therapy there was prominent healing of the liver lesions with only one necrotic remnant 2 cm in diameter on abdominal computed tomography.

Adolescent↗

Simultaneous amoebic liver abscess and hepatitis A infection.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and amoebic liver abscess have an identical mode of transmission (fecal-oral route) and similar epidemiology. Either of these diseases might be considered in patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease in areas of the world where hepatitis and Entamoeba histolytica are endemic. The following two cases describe patients with simultaneous infection of HAV and amoebic liver abscess. This report emphasizes the role of dual infection in patients from endemic areas. It also challenges the assumption that jaundice in patients with amoebic liver abscess is due to amoebic hepatitis, rather than co-infection with viral hepatitis.

Acute Disease↗

[Liver abscess and Crohn' disease. Report of 3 cases].

Liver abscess is a rare complication of Crohn's disease. Its prevalence and mortality are higher in patients with Crohn's disease than in the general population. Owing to its nonspecific clinical presentation, which may be mistaken for reactivation of Crohn's disease or be masked by simultaneous steroid therapy, a high index of suspicion is required for an early diagnosis and prompt treatment. We report 3 cases of Crohn's disease complicated with liver abscess in which the only common features were the absence of clinical or even endoscopic activity of Crohn's disease at diagnosis and the presence of an anastomotic leak due to right ileocolectomy in the previous year. In all patients, outcome was satisfactory with antibiotic therapy and percutaneous catheter drainage.

Adult↗

Liver abscess complicating intratumoral ethanol injection therapy for HCC.

We report a patient who developed multiple liver abscesses and sepsis caused by lactobacilli after the percutaneous intratumoral injection of ethanol for hepatocellular carcinoma. We diagnosed the liver abscess at an early stage because of a the finding of gas on ultrasound and computed tomography. Blood cultures grew Gram-positive rods, which were of the Lactobacillus species. The patient responded to the administration of antibiotics, and his hepatic tumors have not recurred in the 7 months since treatment. This is the first report of liver abscess following percutaneous ethanol injection therapy.

Aged↗

Liver abscess--a clinical study.

Forty consecutive cases of liver abscess from the Department of Medicine III, Singapore General Hospital, from 1978 to July 1983 were reviewed. Nineteen (47.5%) were amoebic, 15 (37.5%) pyogenic and 6 (15%) of unknown aetiology. Of the first 20 cases from 1978 to 1980, amoebic abscesses (60%) predominated. An increased incidence of pyogenic abscess constituting 50% was seen in the next 20 cases. Though all racial groups were affected, a predilection among Indians was seen. Males outnumbered females (4:1), and peak incidence occurred in the 40 to 70 age group (62.5%). Fifty percent presented early (less than one week of symptoms) to hospital. Common physical signs were fever (97.5%) and hepatomegaly (92.5%). Investigations showed leucocytosis in excess of 10,000 WBCs/cmm (87.5%), an ESR of 80 mm/hr (80%) and an elevated alkaline phosphatase of at least twice normal (73.6%). Single abscesses (72.5%) located in the right lobe were more likely to be amoebic. Where abscesses were multiple, they were more likely to be pyogenic (63.6%). Two-thirds of the pyogenic abscesses were due to either Klebsiella species or E. coli. Medical treatment consisted of broad spectrum antibiotics, usually in combination with metronidazole. Aspiration or drainage (open or closed) was employed when indicated. These were carried out more often for pyogenic than amoebic abscesses. Amoebic abscesses responded faster to treatment compared to pyogenic abscesses. Mortality in the first 20 cases prior to 1981 was 30%, being mainly confined to pyogenic abscesses. However, after 1981, there has been no mortality in the ensuing 20 cases.

Adolescent↗

Remarks on gastroenterologic diagnostics of amoebic liver abscess, peritoneal tuberculosis and tropical splenomegaly.

The amoebic liver abscess, the peritoneal tuberculosis and the "tropical splenomegaly" belong to diseases which are frequent in warm countries but single cases appear also in moderate climate by intercontinental communications. False diagnoses especially in the first both can lead to severe rsp. fatal consequenses. Therefore experiences are dealed with, which have been gained within nearly one year in Ethiopia and which shall illustrate the diagnostic procedures under field conditions in warm countries as well as under conditions of modern hospitals in moderate climates. Amoebic liver abscess is quickly detected and confirmed by sonography and immunodiagnostic. Contrary to it in the fields there is the puncture by means of a i. v.-needle often not only the sole diagnostic but also the first and sometimes life-saving therapeutic procedure in advanced cases. It allows X-ray in double contrast technique if equipment is available. In suitable cases such approved technique shall be used also in modern clinics disposing of methods like sonography and computerized tomography. Concerning peritoneal tuberculosis our examinations agreed with the opinion of literature that the laparoscopy seems to be the most suitable method for quickly detection and safe discrimination from decompensated portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. By the way the "cope needle" are mentioned which is distributed in warm countries for searching for peritoneal tuberculosis by performance of a blind peritoneal biopsy. It is easier than laparoscopy but not so efficient. - In this connection 31 cases examined by laparoscopy are presented in a table in order to give an impression on further indications to laparoscopy existing in such areas of warm countries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Pyogenic liver abscess complicated by endogenous endophthalmitis.

BACKGROUND: Endogenous endophthalmitis is an inflammation of ocular tissues that can lead to deterioration of and loss of vision. Rarely, this can complicate the course of a patient with pyogenic liver abscess. METHODS: Over an 18-month period, 68 patients were treated for pyogenic liver abscesses. Three patients, all of whom were male and with diabetes, were diagnosed with a Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess complicated by endogenous endophthalmitis. Open surgical or percutaneous drainage of the liver abscess was undertaken and the symptomology and outcome of the endophthalmitis reviewed. RESULTS: There was no mortality in our series. Two patients presented with simultaneous abdominal and ocular symptoms and one patient had ocular symptoms 3 days after surgical drainage of the liver abscess. Despite aggressive treatment, all patients had permanent deterioration of visual function with one patient becoming blind and requiring evisceration of the infected eye. CONCLUSION: Ocular symptoms in patients treated for pyogenic abscesses must be dealt with urgently with an ophthalmologic consultation. Increased awareness of this complication and a high index of suspicion are paramount for salvage of visual function.

Endophthalmitis↗

Bacterial liver abscess--a diagnostic problem.

Two cases of bacterial liver abscess presented to a hospital during an 18 month period. Both involved male caucasians who had been resident in Zambia for many years. The cases are recorded with a review of the recent literature. The difficulty in diagnosis and importance of adequate surgical drainage are stressed.

Adult↗

Pyogenic liver abscess. Changes in etiology, management, and outcome.

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an important entity with a changing clinical spectrum and may be more prevalent than previously reported. PLA remains most common in older patients, although we found a trend in age range downward. In contrast to earlier reports, PLA affected male and female patients with equal frequency. The most common known cause of PLA remains biliary tract disease, but the majority of patients with PLA were those in whom no underlying cause of PLA could be identified. Single PLA was more common than multiple PLA regardless of etiology. The clinical presentation of patients with PLA ia nonspecific and emphasizes the fact that a high index of suspicion is often required to make the diagnosis. Jaundice and a markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase are clues to the possibility of biliary tract involvement, but may not distinguish patients with liver abscess from those with other hepatic processes. While plain chest and abdominal X-rays were often abnormal and may point to the right upper quadrant as a source of abnormality, ultrasound (US) and abdominal computed tomography (CT) play a central role in this disease. Not only are they often paramount in elucidating the diagnosis of PLA, but US and CT are critical because of their ability to provide other useful information that may address the cause of PLA (that is the biliary tract, and in the case of abdominal CT, other structures). Further, our data suggest that in patients without clinical or imaging evidence of biliary tract disease or pylephlebitis, aggressive random evaluation of the intestinal tract is unwarranted. Percutaneous drainage combined with intravenous antibiotics was the most common therapeutic modality and resulted in cure in 76% of all patients in which it was used (compared to 65% with antibiotics alone and 61% with surgery) and has been successful in 90% of patients over the last 5 years (n = 50). In this study, percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) appeared to result in a higher cure rate than percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) but comparative studies are required to further address and determine their relative efficacies. Intravenous antibiotics alone are an important option in carefully selected patients. Surgical intervention as a primary mode of therapy has been almost completely replaced by less invasive approaches such as PCD/PNA, but remains an important consideration in patients who fail these therapies. Although PLA was once considered a fatal disease, the prognosis is now excellent. We have identified a subgroup of patients with no or low-level elevations in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase and most often single right-sided PLA who do not have a readily identifiable cause of PLA (that is, cryptogenic), as having a particularly favorable prognosis. Death due to PLA is now limited primarily to those patients with severe underlying disease processes, including malignancy.

Adolescent↗

Needle aspiration of amoebic liver abscess.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of needle aspiration in uncomplicated amoebic liver abscess. DESIGN: Randomised case-control study with a minimum follow up of one year, comparing patients treated with drugs alone with those treated with additional needle aspiration. SETTING: Referral based gastroenterology clinic. PATIENTS: 39 Consecutive patients with amoebic liver abscess in the right lobe, of whom 37 completed the study. INTERVENTION: Metronidazole 2.4 g/day was given to all patients for 10 days. Needle aspiration of the abscess was performed in 19 patients on the day of admission to hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Abdominal pain, fever, anorexia, and hepatomegaly were measured. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum aspartate, and alanine aminotransferase activities, and alkaline phosphatase activity were also measured. RESULTS: Clinical improvement was similar in both groups of patients. Improvement in haematological and biochemical variables and rates of healing of cavities were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy with potent tissue amoebicidal drugs such as metronidazole is optimally effective in treating amoebic liver abscess, and in uncomplicated cases routine aspiration is not required.

Adult↗

Pyogenic liver abscess. Modern treatment.

Historically, open surgical drainage has been the treatment of choice for pyogenic liver abscess. The records of 54 patients with pyogenic liver abscess were reviewed to determine whether earlier diagnosis with current imaging tests and definitive treatment with antibiotics, aspiration, or catheter drainage was an effective alternative to open drainage. Twenty-nine patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and diagnostic aspiration. Twenty-three (79%) recovered uneventfully, and six required catheter or operative drainage. Twenty-three patients (including five who failed aspiration) underwent drainage with percutaneously placed catheters. Nineteen (83%) recovered; four required open surgical drainage. Of seven patients who required open surgical drainage, six recovered. One (2%) of the 54 patients died following failed aspiration and catheter and surgical drainage. Four patients were successfully treated with antibiotics alone without aspiration. These results confirm that pyogenic liver abscess can be successfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and aspiration or percutaneous catheter drainage. Open surgical drainage is reserved for patients in whom treatment fails or who require celiotomy for concurrent disease.

Adolescent↗

Pyogenic liver abscess: Klebsiella as an emerging pathogen.

Patients with pyogenic liver abscesses often present to the emergency department with fever of unknown origin. After the appropriate clinical evaluation, cross-sectional imaging may be performed in the emergent setting to aid in localization of fever source. On computed tomography imaging, pyogenic liver abscesses may present as inflammatory masses in the liver, with Escherichia coli as the most common pathogen. We report an emerging hepatic pathogen as the cause, Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Aged↗