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Introduction: Pyogenic liver abscess is a noteworthy health concern in North America, characterized by a mortality rate ranging from 2 to 12%. This condition is often polymicrobial, with Streptococcus species and Escherichia coli as the predominant causal pathogens in Western countries. Fusobacterium species, typically commensals of gastrointestinal, genital, and oral flora, have been implicated in the rare formation of tonsillar abscesses and Lemierre syndrome, including its gastrointestinal variant known as pylephlebitis. Case Presentation: We present the case of an immunocompetent male with a 2-week history of abdominal distention and pain. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiseptated cystic hepatic masses and portal vein thrombosis. A subsequent liver biopsy confirmed Fusobacterium nucleatum etiology. The patient was initiated on intravenous cefepime and oral metronidazole antibiotics. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to cardiac arrest before a final diagnosis could be established. Conclusion: Fusobacterium species-associated liver abscess, coupled with the rare gastrointestinal variant of Lemierre syndrome (pylephlebitis), poses a significant mortality risk. This case underscores the rarity and clinical challenges associated with these conditions. Increased awareness among clinicians is crucial for early diagnosis and prompt intervention, potentially improving outcomes in such cases.
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BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis, caused by infection with Strongyloides stercoralis parasitic nematodes, is most prevalent in tropical regions of the world, such as South America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, but its incidence has increased in nonendemic areas of the United States due to immigration. The majority of patients remain asymptomatic or have only mild gastrointestinal, respiratory, or dermatologic symptoms. Unrecognized strongyloidiasis can progress to Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome, a highly fatal complication that can occur in response to immunosuppressive therapy. This rare complication is easily misdiagnosed because of its similar presentation to asthma or exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CASE REPORT We report a case of worsening therapeutic response to systemic corticosteroids in an elderly Colombian man who presented with symptoms of acute exacerbation of asthma. His history was positive for residence in a region endemic to S. stercoralis, and he had undergone multiple hospitalizations over the past few years for pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and dermatologic complaints. Laboratory results were significant for increased eosinophilia, and chest radiography showed blunting of the left costophrenic angle. The patient was found to have S. stercoralis hyperinfection after parasitic larvae were detected in a bronchoalveolar lavage sample. Symptoms improved after a course of ivermectin, and the patient was subsequently discharged. CONCLUSIONS This unusual presentation of Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome showcases the dangers of corticosteroid therapy in individuals with undiagnosed Strongyloides infection who present with a presumed diagnosis of asthma exacerbation. Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion when treating patients from S. stercoralis endemic regions presenting with pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and/or dermatologic symptoms. Ivermectin is the current standard of care for both asymptomatic and complicated strongyloidiasis.