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.

Effect of diabetes mellitus on short-term prognosis of 227 pyogenic liver abscess patients after hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an inflammatory disease with increasing incidence. When it occurs with diabetes mellitus (DM), the risk of recurrence and mortality may increase. However, the effect of DM on the short-term prognosis of PLA patients after hospitalization remained unknown. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-seven PLA patients who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2011 to January 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. They were divided into two groups as the DM group (n = 61) and the Non-DM group (n = 166). In the DM group, HbA1C level < 7% was considered to be good-control of glycaemia (n = 23). The clinical characteristics and overall short-term survival were analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of PLA patients with DM was 26.87%. In the DM group, there was a higher incidence of hypertension and Candida spp. infection. Conservative administration and percutaneous drainage were mainly used in patients with good- (60.87%) and poor-control (60.53%) of glycaemia, respectively. During follow-up, 24 (10.57%) died due to uncontrolled systemic infections and other serious complications. Compared with PLA patients without DM, patients in the DM group had significantly increased 6-month mortality rate after discharge (Log-Rank test, P = 0.021). Poor-control of glycaemia did not reduce the six-month survival, while the recurrence rate of PLA within 3 months showed an almost 3-fold increase (13.16% vs. 4.35%). Further multivariate analyses found that DM was the only independent risk factor for the PLA six-month survival (odds ratio [OR]: 3.019, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.138-8.010, P = 0.026). However, the blood glucose level had no significant effect on the short-term survival of PLA patients with DM (Log-Rank test, P = 0.218). CONCLUSIONS: In PLA patients, DM aggravated short-term mortality and blood glucose levels should be well controlled.

Pyogenic liver abscess in liver transplant recipient: A warning signal for the risk of recurrence and retransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic liver abscesses in liver transplant recipients (PLA-LTR) are a rare disease whose specificities compared with PLA in non-transplanted patients (PLA-C) are unknown. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted in a French academic hospital from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014. RESULTS: Among 176 patients diagnosed with PLA, 14 were LTR; each case was matched with 3 PLA-C controls by date of PLA diagnosis and pathophysiological mechanism of PLA. Median time from liver transplantation to PLA diagnosis was 34.5 months. Among 14 PLA-LTR, 8/14 (57.1%) had bacteremia and 10/14 (71.4%) had positive PLA cultures. Most commonly isolated bacteria were Enterobacteriaceae (9/14; 64.3%), Enterococcus spp. (4/14; 28.6%), and anaerobic bacteria (3/14; 21.4%). Clinical, radiological, and microbiological characteristics did not significantly differ between PLA-LTR and PLA-C but there was a tendency toward more diabetic patients and a less acute presentation. All but one PLA-LTR were associated with ischemic cholangitis, whereas this was a rare cause among PLA-C (13/14 vs 3/42, respectively, P < .001) among patients with PLA-LTR. In contrast, hepatobiliary neoplasia was rare in PLA-LTR but frequent in PLA-C (1/14 vs 24/42, P = .001). No significant difference was found between PLA-LTR and PLA-C in terms of duration of antibiotic therapy (6.5 and 6 weeks, respectively), PLA drainage rates (10/14 and 26/42, respectively), or mortality at 12 months after PLA diagnosis (2/14 and 5/42, respectively). Recurrence rates within the first year were observed in 6/14 patients (42.9%), and retransplantation was needed in 5/14 (35.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of PLA in LTR is a severe event leading to high risk of recurrence and retransplantation.

Risk Factors, Management, and Outcomes of Pyogenic Liver Abscess in a US Safety Net Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The causes and management of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) have undergone multiple changes over the past decades. It is a relatively rare disease in the USA, and its incidence rate in the USA is increasing. The last US community hospital experience of PLA was published in 2005. We performed a retrospective study of patients admitted with PLA to an urban safety net hospital. AIMS: To ascertain risk factors, management approaches, and outcomes of PLA. METHODS: Electronic medical record was queried for diagnosis codes related to PLA during the years 2009-2018. Clinical information was compiled in an electronic database which was later analyzed. Main study outcomes were in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission rate, and intensive care utilization rate. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients with PLA were admitted in the study period. Most common risk factors were diabetes mellitus (23.4%), previous liver surgery (20.7%), and hepatic malignancy (16.9%). 89% of patients were treated with percutaneous drainage or aspiration, and surgical drainage was reserved for other with other indications for laparotomy. In-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission, and intensive care utilization rates were 2.6%, 7% and 22%, respectively. Median length of stay was 11 days (inter-quartile range 7). Rate of antimicrobial resistance in abscess fluid cultures was 40%; 13 cases of Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess were noted in our cohort, most of whom were Hispanic or Asian. CONCLUSIONS: PLA was principally managed by percutaneous drainage or aspiration with good outcomes. Further studies investigating the racial predilection of K. pneumoniae liver abscesses could reveal clues to its pathogenesis.

The geriatric nutritional risk index independently predicts adverse outcomes in patients with pyogenic liver abscess.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a simple and useful nutritional marker for predictor of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing a variety of conditions. This study explored the relationship between GNRI and adverse outcomes of Pyogenic Liver Abscess (PLA) patients and assessed GNRI predictive value. METHODS: This was one retrospective study involving 240 PLA patients. According to one GNRI cutoff value of 90, the patients were divided into two groups. Besides, demographic, laboratory, adverse outcomes were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. RESULTS: Compared with high GNRI patients, those with low GNRI had a higher risk of mortality (13.4% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.002), metastatic infection (17.7% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.050), acute hepatic failure (6.8% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.036), acute respiratory failure (7.4% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.024), upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding (11.9% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.006) and empyema (20.1% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.047). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated GNRI (< 90) as one independent factor in death prediction (odds ratio (OR) = 5.36, 95% of confidence interval (CI) = 1.17-24.48), and adverse outcomes (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.05-3.98). GNRI had the largest area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve than albumin, BMI, platelet, prothrombin time and hemoglobin in death prediction (area under ROC curves (AUC) = 0.771, cutoff value = 79.45, P < 0.01) and all adverse outcomes (AUC = 0.656, cutoff value = 87.43, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of GNRI are an independent risk factor for poor PLA prognosis. Physicians should consider GNRI for PLA outcomes and consider more careful resuscitation and timely and appropriate treatment, especially in those with GNRI< 87.43.

Risk factors and outcomes of pyogenic liver abscess in adult liver recipients: a matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Adult liver recipients (ALR) differ from the general population with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) as they exhibit: reconstructed biliary anatomy, recurrent hospitalizations, poor clinical condition and are subjected to immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with PLA in ALR and to analyze the management experience of these patients. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2016, 879 adult patients underwent liver transplantation (LT), 26 of whom developed PLA. Patients and controls were matched according to the time from transplant to abscess in a 1 to 5 relation. A logistic regression model was performed to establish PLA risk factors considering clusters for matched cases and controls. Risk factors were identified and a multivariate regression analysis performed. RESULTS: Patients with post-LT PLA were more likely to have lower BMI (p = 0.006), renal failure (p = 0.031) and to have undergone retransplantation (p = 0.002). A history of hepatic artery thrombosis (p = 0.010), the presence of Roux en-Y hepatojejunostomy (p < 0.001) and longer organ ischemia time (p = 0.009) were independent predictors for the development of post-LT PLA. Five-year survival was 49% (95%CI 28-67%) and 89% (95%CI 78%-94%) for post-LT PLA and no post-LT PLA, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: history of hepatic artery thrombosis, the presence of hepatojejunostomy and a longer ischemia time represent independent predictors for the development of post-LT PLA. There was a significantly poorer survival in patients who developed post-LT PLA compared with those who did not.

Pyogenic liver abscesses: a contemporary analysis of management strategies at a tertiary institution.

BACKGROUND: Despite equivocal evidence, non-surgical management for pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) has become the standard of care at most institutions with surgery relegated to salvage therapy for those who fail less invasive means. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of a step-up approach to PLA management. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single institution for patients diagnosed with PLA over a 10-year period. Demographic, radiologic, microbiological, treatment, and outcomes data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: 64 patients with PLA were identified. Initial treatment included antibiotics alone (n = 9), percutaneous drainage (PD) (n = 54), and surgery (n = 1). Surgery was ultimately required in 8 patients while 50 were cured with PD and 4 with antibiotics alone. Two (3%) patients died. Overall, PD carried an 85% success rate. CONCLUSION: PLA patients should be initially treated non-operatively, barring indications for emergent surgery or inaccessibility for PD. Surgery can be reserved for failure of PD.

Liver Resection for De Novo Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complicated by Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Clinical Challenge.

BACKGROUND: De novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated by pyogenic liver abscess is rare, and the standard of care for this disease has yet been defined. This study assesses whether liver resection can be recommended as its standard treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the prospectively collected data of the 1725 patients who underwent primary liver resection for HCC at our hospital during the period from December 1989 to December 2012. Outcomes were compared between patients with and without liver abscess. RESULTS: Twenty-two (1.28 %) patients had HCC and liver abscess. Fourteen of them received preoperative drainage. Patients with and without abscess had similar tumor characteristics, but patients with abscess had more operative blood loss (2.2 vs. 0.8 L; p < 0.0001) and more of them needed blood transfusion (63.6 vs. 23.1 %; p < 0.0001). They also had a longer hospital stay (38.5 vs. 10 days; p < 0.0001), a higher hospital mortality (40.9 vs. 2.8 %; p < 0.001), a higher postoperative complication rate (100 vs. 25.9 %; p < 0.0001), and poorer 1, 3, and 5-years disease-free survival rates (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The post-resection mortality of the patients with de novo HCC complicated by pyogenic liver abscess was so high that liver resection is not recommended as the standard treatment. More research is needed to determine the best therapy for this rare disease.

Patients with culture negative pyogenic liver abscess have the same outcomes compared to those with Klebsiella pneumoniae pyogenic liver abscess.

BACKGROUND: Etiologic organism is not frequently isolated despite multiple blood and fluid cultures during management of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Such culture negative pyogenic liver abscess (CNPLA) is routinely managed by antibiotics targeted to Klebsiella pneumoniae. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of such clinical practice. METHODS: All the patients with CNPLA and Klebsiella pneumoniae PLA (KPPLA) admitted from January 2003 to December 2011 were included in the study. A retrospective review of medical records was performed and demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 528 patients were treated as CNPLA or KPPLA over the study period. CNPLA presented more commonly with abdominal pain (P=0.024). KPPLA was more common in older age (P=0.029) and was associated with thrombocytopenia (P=0.001), elevated creatinine (P=0.002), bilirubin (P=0.001), alanine aminotransferase (P=0.006) and C-reactive protein level (P=0.036). CNPLA patients tend to have anemia (P=0.015) and smaller abscess (P=0.008). There was no difference in hospital stay (15.7 vs 16.8 days) or mortality (14.0% vs 11.0%). No patients required surgical drainage after initiation of medical therapy. CONCLUSION: Despite demographic and clinical differences between CNPLA and KPPLA, overall outcomes are not different.

Pyogenic liver abscess: current status and predictive factors for recurrence and mortality of first episodes.

BACKGROUND: In times of modern surgery, transplantation and percutaneous techniques, pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) has essentially become a problem of biliary or iatrogenic origin. In the current scenario, diagnostic approach, clinical behavior and therapeutic outcomes have not been profoundly studied. This study analyzes the clinical and microbiological features, diagnostic methods, therapeutic management and predictive factors for recurrence and mortality of first episodes of PLA. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was conducted including 142 patients admitted to the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, between 2005 and 2015 with first episodes of PLA. RESULTS: Prevailing identifiable causes were biliary diseases (47.9%) followed by non-biliary percutaneous procedures (NBIPLA, 15.5%). Seventeen patients (12%) were liver recipients. Eleven patients (7.8%) died and 18 patients (13.7%) had recurrence in the first year of follow up. The isolation of multiresistant organisms (p = 0.041) and a history of cholangitis (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for recurrence. Mortality was associated with serum bilirubin >5 mg/dL (p = 0.022) and bilateral involvement (p = 0.014) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: NBPLA and PLA after transplantation may be increasing among the population of PLA in referral centers. History of cholangitis is a strong predictor for recurrence. Mortality is associated to hiperbilirrubinemia and anatomical distribution of the lesions.

Pyogenic Liver Abscess: Does Escherichia Coli Cause more Adverse Outcomes than Klebsiella Pneumoniae?

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to demonstrate if Escherichia coli pyogenic liver abscess (ECPLA) results in adverse outcomes compared to Klebsiella pneumoniae PLA (KPPLA). METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients admitted at a tertiary hospital in Singapore from 2003 to 2011 was performed. Patients with age <18 years, amoebic liver abscess, infected liver cyst, culture negative abscess or ruptured liver abscess requiring urgent surgical intervention were excluded. Only patients with blood or pus culture confirmation of ECPLA (n = 24) or KPPLA (n = 264) were included. Median length of hospital stay, failure of non-operative therapy and 30-day mortality are the reported outcomes. RESULTS: ECPLA affects older patients (68 vs. 62 years, p = 0.049). Ischemic heart disease was more common in ECPLA (29 vs. 14 %, p = 0.048) and there was no difference in diabetic state (42 vs. 38 %, p = 0.743). ECPLA is more commonly associated with hyperbilirubinemia (60 vs. 34 µmol/L, p = 0.003), increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (236 vs. 16 IU/L, p = 0.038) and gallstones (58 vs. 30 %, p = 0.004). KPPLA are larger in size (6 vs. 4 cm, p = 0.006) and had percutaneous drainage (PD) more frequently (64 vs. 42 %, p = 0.034). There was no difference in median hospital stay (14 vs. 14 days, p = 0.110) or 30-day mortality (17 vs. 10 %, p = 0.307) between ECPLA and KPPLA. Among patients with ECPLA, antibiotic treatment with PD appeared to have higher mortality compared to antibiotic treatment alone (30 vs. 7 %) but this was not significant (p = 0.272). CONCLUSION: In the setting of multimodal care, outcomes of ECPLA are comparable to KPPLA.

Initial presentations and final outcomes of primary pyogenic liver abscess: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although pyogenic liver abscess (PPLA) fatalities are decreasing owing to early diagnosis and effective treatments, PPLA-associated complications still exist. The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristic features of initial presentations and final outcomes of PPLA caused by different pathogens. METHODS: This retrospective study collected and analyzed information regarding initial presentations and final outcomes in patients diagnosed with PPLA at admitted at Changhua Christian Hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2010. RESULTS: During the study period, we analyzed the records of a total of 134 patients with documented PPLA. There were no significant causative pathogen-related differences in symptoms at initial presentation. Compared with the survivor group, patients in the mortality group were characterized by male gender (p < 0.001), malignancy (p < 0.001), respiratory distress (p =0.007), low blood pressure (p = 0.024), jaundice (p = < 0.001), rupture of liver abscess (p < 0.001), endophthalmitis (p = 0.003), and multiple organ failure (p < 0.001). No patients received liver transplantation or were diagnosed with HIV during the study period. According to univariate logistic regression analysis, gender (OR = 1.185, 95% CI: 0.284-11.130, p = 0.006), malignancy (OR = 2.067, 95% CI: 1.174-13.130, p = 0.004), respiratory distress (OR = 1.667, 95% CI: 1.164-14.210, p = 0.006), low blood pressure (OR = 2.167, 95% CI: 2.104-13.150, p = 0.003), jaundice (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.246-3.297, p = 0.008), rupture of liver abscess (OR = 5.167, 95% CI: 2.194-23.150, p = 0.003), endophthalmitis (OR = 2.167, 95% CI: 1.234-13.140, p = 0.005), and multiple organ failure (OR = 3.067, 95% CI: 1.184-15.150, p = 0.001) differed significantly between the mortality and survivor groups. CONCLUSION: Although the initial presentations of PPLA caused by different pathogens were similar, there were significant differences in mortality in cases involving: (1) male patients, (2) malignancy, (3) initial respiratory distress, (4) initial low blood pressure, (5) jaundice, (6) rupture of liver abscess, (7) endophthalmitis, , and (8) multiple organ failure. We strongly recommend using a severity score of the disease to determine the risk of mortality for each patient with PPLA. In order to prevent complications and reduce mortality, more attention must be paid to high-risk PPLA patients.

Laparoscopic drainage of cryptogenic liver abscess.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively compare the outcomes of percutaneously drained and laparoscopically drained liver abscesses. METHODS: Eight-five consecutive patients with radiological evidence of liver abscess were treated at National University Hospital of Singapore from 2005 to 2011. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify failures of intervention. This was defined as persistent objective signs of sepsis. Complications, length of antibiotic therapy, and hospital stay were recorded but not used as indicators for failure of intervention. A propensity score analysis was used to adjust for possible confounders. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (40.3%) patients in the percutaneous group did not respond to primary intervention compared to 2 patients (11.1%) in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.020). Two patients within the percutaneous group died from progression of sepsis despite intervention. In the multivariate model with propensity score, laparoscopic drainage had a protective effect against failure compared to percutaneous drainage of liver abscess (odds ratio [OR], 0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], [0-0.4]; p = 0.008). There were no differences in complications related to the intervention (p = 0.108). Mean duration of antibiotics (p = 0.437) and hospital stay (p = 0.175) between the groups was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic drainage of cryptogenic liver abscesses should be considered as an option for drainage of liver abscess.

Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis score as a prognostic indicator in patients with pyogenic liver abscess.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the predictor index of mortality in patients with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review that enrolled 431 patients 18 years and older hospitalized due to PLA between January 2005 and December 2010. Clinical characteristics, laboratory results, treatments, and outcomes retrieved from medical records were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 431 patients identified with PLA was 56.9 ± 15.0 years. The mean Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis (MEDS) score on admission was 4.8 ± 4.1 (range, 0-17). During hospitalization, 94 patients (22%) required intensive care. Of the 431 patients, 63 died, yielding a 15% case fatality rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher MEDS scores on admission (P < .0001) and the presence of underlying malignancy (P = .006), multiple abscesses (P = .001), anaerobic infections (P < .0001), hyperbilirubinemia (P < .0001), and higher serum creatinine levels (P < .0001) were significantly associated with PLA mortality. The estimated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for MEDS in predicting PLA mortality was 0.829 (95% confidence interval, 0.791-0.864; P < .0001). The optimal cutoff MEDS value of 7 or higher had a sensitivity of 76% sensitivity and a specificity of 81%, with a 10.7-fold PLA mortality risk (P < .0001) and a 26.2-fold intensive care unit admission risk (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The MEDS scores on admission represent a significant prognostic indicator for patients with PLA.

[Different clinical courses in two cases of ruptured liver abscesses depending on the presence or absence of gas-producing pathogens].

We report two cases of ruptured pyogenic liver abscesses where one patient survived and the other died. We suspected that infection with gas-producing bacteria was the cause of the latter outcome, and we reviewed 47 case reports of ruptured pyogenic liver abscesses. Of the 47 cases, we determined that 77.6% included gas-producing pathogens. Moreover, the presence of gas-producing pathogens was associated with a mortality of 22.2%, whereas there were no deaths in cases with no gas-producing pathogens.

Cryptogenic pyogenic liver abscess as the herald of colon cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colonic mucosal defects might be a route for bacterial invasion into the portal system, with subsequent hematogenous spread to the liver. We retrospectively investigated the results of colonoscopy and the clinical characteristics of patients with pyogenic liver abscess of colonic origin. METHODS: A total of 230 consecutive patients with pyogenic liver abscess were reviewed between 2003 and 2010. The 230 patients were categorized into three groups (pancreatobiliary [n = 135], cryptogenic [n = 81], and others [n = 14]). Of the 81 cryptogenic patients, 37 (45.7%) underwent colonoscopy. Colonic lesions with mucosal defects were considered colonic causes of abscess. RESULTS: In the 37 colonoscopic investigations, colon cancer was found in six patients (16.2%), laterally-spreading tumor (LST) in two patients (5.4%), multiple colon ulcers in one patient (2.7%), colon polyps in 17 patients (45.9%), and diverticula in four patients (10.8%). Nine (11%) of 81 cryptogenic abscesses were therefore reclassified as being of colonic origin (colon cancer = 6, LST = 2, ulcer = 1). Three cases were stage III colon cancer, and the others were stage I. Two LST were high-grade dysplasia. The percentage of patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and diabetes mellitus (DM) of colonic origin was 66.7%, which was significantly higher than the 8.6% for other causes (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Of the 37 patients with cryptogenic pyogenic liver abscess who underwent colonoscopy, nine (24.3%) were diagnosed with a colonic cause. Colonoscopy should be considered for the detection of hidden colonic malignant lesions in patients with cryptogenic pyogenic liver abscess, especially for patients with K. pneumoniae and DM.

Pyogenic abscess after hepatic artery embolization: a rare but potentially lethal complication.

PURPOSE: Hepatic artery embolization (HAE) is used commonly to treat liver tumors or hemorrhage. Infectious complications are rare but carry high rates of morbidity and mortality. Identification of clinical factors associated with postembolization abscess may improve management and outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and pathologic variables of patients treated with HAE were collected and analyzed to determine the etiology, incidence, and outcome of pyogenic hepatic abscess. RESULTS: From January 1998 to January 2010, 971 patients underwent 2,045 HAE procedures. Fourteen patients developed a pyogenic hepatic abscess after embolization, for an overall rate of 1.4%. Thirty-four patients (4%) had a history of bilioenteric anastomosis (BEA) and 21 patients (2%) lacked a competent sphincter of Oddi because of the presence of a biliary stent (n = 19) or a previous sphincterotomy (n = 2). Eleven of the 34 patients with a BEA (33%) and two of 21 patients with an incompetent sphincter (10%) developed abscesses, in contrast to only one abscess (0.05%) among the 916 patients with apparently normal sphincters (0.1%; odds ratio, 437.6; 95% CI, 54.2-3,533; P < .0001). Gram-negative and Gram-positive aerobes were the most common bacteria isolated after drainage. Percutaneous drainage was the initial management strategy in all patients; two patients (14%) required subsequent surgical drainage and hepatectomy, and three (21%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Pyogenic hepatic abscess is rare after HAE. A history of BEA or an incompetent sphincter of Oddi caused by a biliary stent or previous sphincterotomy substantially increases the likelihood of this highly morbid and potentially fatal complication.

Pyogenic liver abscess caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: clinical analysis of 20 cases.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports of Pseudomonas aeruginosa liver abscess (PALA) in the literature, and clinical information regarding its risk factors, route of transmission, and clinical course remains limited. METHODS: The medical records of 1076 patients with pyogenic liver abscess treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty of the patients whose records were analyzed had PALA. Mortality was 20%. Five patients with PALA, diagnosed immediately following an intra-abdominal surgical or endoscopic procedure, were classified as group A. The latent phase for the development of PALA in this group was less than 3 weeks. The remaining 15 patients were further subgrouped into group B (n = 8), with a traceable intra-abdominal procedure, and group C (n = 7), with no history of an invasive intra-abdominal procedure. The latent period in patients in group B varied from 6 weeks to 3.7 y. The absence of multidrug resistance in P. aeruginosa isolates from group C suggests the community-acquired nature of the infection in this group. Risk factor analysis showed that the incidence of hepatobiliary co-morbidities was high in all the groups (100%, 88%, and 71% in groups A, B, and C, respectively). The rates of co-infection with human gastrointestinal tract flora were 20%, 50%, and 71% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PALA may be found in subjects without conventional risk factors for P. aeruginosa infection. In addition to patients with a preceding contaminated procedure, those with hepatobiliary co-morbidities form another high-risk group for this condition.

Epidemiology of pyogenic liver abscesses in Germany: Analysis of incidence, risk factors and mortality rate based on routine data from statutory health insurance.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) represent potentially life-threatening abdominal conditions that require immediate diagnosis and therapy. European and American incidence figures vary between one and 15 per 100,000 per year. Structured epidemiological data for European countries are not available. OBJECTIVE: To systematically characterize the epidemiology and clinical outcome of PLA in Germany. METHODS: In representative statutory health insurance data from four million people in 2013-2019, the prevalence and incidence with clinical coding of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10 code K75.0 were selected (n = 1118). Furthermore, demographics, relevant comorbidities, hospitalizations, mortality and complications were determined within one year. RESULTS: The incidence of PLA was approximately seven per 100,000. The average age at diagnosis was 66 years; 65% were male. Of these, biliary disease was documented in over 60% and infectious intestinal diseases were found in 21% within the same or previous calendar year. PLA patients had high comorbidity indices. Liver transplant status, malignancies of the liver and biliary system, liver cirrhosis and pancreatitis were strongly associated. Intensive care was documented in 27% of PLA cases. Nine percent died within 12 months, most with an underlying malignant disease. CONCLUSION: Pyogenic liver abscess is a rare disease with high morbidity. Predisposing and risk factors include intestinal and biliary diseases as well as hepatic malignancies. Further research should focus on PLA therapy within prospective surveys and controlled clinical trials.