Difficult to treat liver abscesses in children - Do not forget parasitic infections.

Liver abscess (LA) is a significant health concern worldwide, particularly in tropical regions such as India, and is usually pyogenic or amoebic in origin. In rare cases it can be caused by parasites. We present two children with difficult-to-treat LAs, revealing underlying parasitic infections as the causative agents, implicated by eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin-E levels and exposure to domestic animals. In the first case, disseminated echinococcosis was diagnosed through imaging, serology and histopathology. The second case showed a relationship between LAs and Toxocara infection, evidenced by microscopic stool examination of a household cat.

Aspiration cytology of liver abscess uncovering metastatic rectal mucosal melanoma-A case report.

Aspirates of liver abscess are frequently encountered in routine practice and are often of a low index of suspicion. However, necrotic liver metastasis clinically and radiologically mimics liver abscesses, and malignant cells can be obscured in an inflammation-rich background on cytology. It is important to recognise malignant neoplasms in this scenario, in particular uncommon conditions such as metastatic mucosal melanoma.

Klebsiella invasive syndrome: a challenging diagnosis.

Klebsiella invasive syndrome is a rare condition that typically presents as a liver abscess with metastatic infection, with mortality rates as high as 14% potentially due to diagnostic delay by clinicians. Here, we present a case of a woman in her 60s, who presented with symptoms and signs consistent with meningitis, imaging findings suggestive of possible leptomeningeal carcinomatosis a long with areas of lung consolidation and abdominal nodules and lymphadenopathy, presumably metastatic malignancy. We diagnosed Klebsiella invasive syndrome and treated it conservatively with medical management, including a long course of intravenous antibiotic therapy and supportive care. This is an infrequently encountered clinical entity with potentially fatal consequences, and we hope to add to the existing literature on the subject and drive home the point that it should be considered in the differential diagnoses in the appropriate clinical scenario.

Fibrohistiocytic Variant of Hepatic Pseudotumor: An Antibiotic Responsive Tumefactive Lesion.

Inflammatory pseudotumor is a term used to designate inflammation-rich tumefactive lesions. Following the exclusion of specific entities such as IgG4-related disease and other neoplastic entities previously included in this entity, the majority of hepatic pseudotumors show a prominent fibrohistiocytic inflammatory reaction and have been previously categorized as fibrohistiocytic variant of hepatic pseudotumor (FHVHPT). The goal of this study was to examine the clinical, radiologic, histologic, and etiologic aspects of this entity. After excluding neoplastic diseases, we identified 30 patients with FHVHPT from 3 institutions between 2009 and 2019. We extracted demographic and clinical data, liver function tests as well as culture results and radiologic information. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were reviewed for pattern of inflammation as well as its cellular composition. Immunohistochemistry for IgG4 and IgG was performed in all cases. The mean age of the 30 lesions characterized as FHVHPT was 56 years (range: 23 to 79 y). Nineteen patients showed solitary lesions; 11 were multiple. The mean size of the lesion was 3.8 cm (range: 1 to 7.5 cm). On imaging, a neoplastic process or metastasis was the leading diagnostic consideration (n=15, 50%). The most common symptom was abdominal pain (n=14/30); 8 patients presented with symptoms compatible with an infectious process, including fever. The inflammatory infiltrate was dominated by lymphocytes and plasma cells, and in most cases, a prominent histiocytic infiltrate (22/30). Neutrophils were identified in 12 cases, with microabscess noted in 8. Storiform pattern of fibrosis was seen in 14/30 cases; obliterative phlebitis was not identified. Culture identified a microorganism in 4 of 9 cases evaluated. The mean IgG4 count was 9.3 per HPF (range: 0 to 51) with 9 of the 26 (35%) biopsies showing >10 IgG4 positive plasma cells per HPF. The mean IgG4 to IgG ratio was 8% (range: 8% to 46%). A hepatectomy was performed in 4 cases. On broad spectrum antibiotics (n=14) the lesions either resolved or decreased in size. Eight patients did not receive specific therapy, nevertheless, the lesion(s) resolved spontaneously in 6 cases, remained stable or decreased in size in 2 cases. Notably, none of these patients showed evidence of a hepatic recurrence. FHVHPT, a tumefactive lesion that mimics hepatic neoplasia, is histologically characterized by a fibrohistiocytic infiltrate. In the majority of patients FHVHPT represents the organizing phase of hepatic abscess and can be successfully managed with antibiotic therapy.

Liver Abscess in Children-experience From a Single Tertiary Care Center of North India: Etiology, Clinical Profile and Predictors of Complications.

BACKGROUND: Liver abscess (LA), a common problem in children in the tropics, is believed to be mostly pyogenic (PLA), sometimes amebic (ALA). We aimed to analyze the clinical profile, etiology, risk factors for complications, management and outcomes of LA in children. METHODS: The details of 81 children with LA managed in a tertiary set up over a period of 3 years were analyzed. A comparison of different parameters was performed with respect to etiology and complications. RESULTS: ALA, PLA and mixed infection LA were diagnosed in 40 (49.4%), 32 (39.5%) and 9 (11.1%) children. The triad of fever, hepatomegaly and right upper quadrant tenderness was seen in 65 (80.2%). Coagulopathy was observed in 60 (77%) and jaundice in 12 (14.8%). Majority (71.6%) had a single LA in the right lobe (69%). Conservative, percutaneous needle aspiration, percutaneous catheter drainage and surgical drainage were done in 11.1%, 3.7%, 82.7% and 2.5%, respectively. Forty-three (53.1%) had complicated LA with rupture in 55.8% and vascular thrombosis in 16.2%. Children with complicated LA had higher alanine transaminase, prolonged prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, low serum protein and albumin levels (P < 0.05). Median duration of follow-up was 2 months and mean time to resolution of LA was 48.5 ± 18 days. CONCLUSIONS: ALA is the commonest cause of pediatric LA in endemic regions and is difficult to differentiate from PLA clinically. Percutaneous catheter drainage is safe and effective modality for the management of LA in children. A higher alanine transaminase, prolonged prothrombin time/international normalized ratio and low serum albumin levels (<3 g/dL) at presentation identify complicated LA.

The Importance of Autopsy in a Case of Digestive Perforation Undetected by Postmortem Computed Tomography.

ABSTRACT: Cases of foreign body ingestion in the forensic literature are mainly described in children or psychiatric patients. Postmortem imaging can detect most foreign bodies, but its sensitivity depends, among other things, on the type of item and its location. In some cases, the ingestion of foreign bodies can remain unnoticed and have serious consequences for the patient. We describe the case of a patient who died in a psychiatric seclusion room with no obvious cause and for whom a forensic autopsy was requested. Further investigations showed the existence of a subdural hematoma associated with a midline shift, secondary to a skull fracture that was considered to be the cause of death. Toxicological analyses identified in blood several drugs, including diazepam (24 ng/mL) and its major metabolite nordazepam (24 ng/mL), propranolol (57 ng/mL), paliperidone (9 ng/mL), and loxapine (620 ng/mL). The forensic autopsy revealed the existence of a gastrointestinal perforation after the ingestion of a plastic teaspoon, which the postmortem CT scan had failed to detect. Although technological advances continue to assist the forensic pathologist in his diagnosis, autopsy still has a leading role in forensic investigations and does not yet seem to be replaceable by imaging techniques alone.

Actinomyces in Forensic Practice.

ABSTRACT: A 19-year-old woman in septic shock with recent computed tomography findings of a loculated hepatic abscess was transferred to an intensive care unit where she went into asystolic cardiac arrest. After resuscitation, surgical exploration revealed a purulent pericardial effusion with tamponade and a liver abscess. Microbiological analyses from both sites were negative. Shortly after surgical exploration, she developed multiorgan failure and died. At autopsy, pus was observed both within the pericardial cavity and around the left lobe of the liver. Green "sulfur granules" suggestive of infection with Actinomyces spp. were able to be extruded from the liver during the postmortem examination and cultures returned positive for Actinomyces israelii. This case is a rare example of primary hepatic actinomycosis infection that resulted in the death of a young woman. Nonspecific clinical manifestations may delay diagnosis; however, the finding of "sulfur granules" in areas of abscess formation at autopsy should be taken as an indication of possible underlying Actinomyces infection.

The Antidepressant Mirtazapine Activates Hepatic Macrophages, Facilitating Pathogen Clearance While Limiting Tissue Damage in Mice.

Background and Aims: Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant with antagonist activity for serotonin and histamine receptors. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that, in addition to treating depression, mirtazapine also alters liver innate immunity and suppresses immune-driven hepatic macrophage activation. Liver macrophages, Kupffer cells, represent the largest collection of fixed macrophages in the body and are critical in regulating hepatic immunity. In addition to their capacity to regulate inflammation, Kupffer cells are key sentinels for clearing blood-borne pathogens, preventing their dissemination within the body. This process involves pathogen capture, phagocytosis, and activation-induced killing via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Therefore, we speculated that mirtazapine might adversely alter Kupffer cell pathogen-associated activation and killing. Methods: Mice were treated with mirtazapine and time-dependent changes in Kupffer cells were characterized using intravital microscopy. Macrophage and neutrophil responses, bacterial dissemination, and liver damage were assessed following i.v. infection with a pathogenic strain of S. aureus. Results: Mirtazapine rapidly (within 1.5 h) activates Kupffer cells, indicated by a loss of elongated shape with cellular rounding. However, this shape change did not result in impaired pathogen capture function, and, in fact, generated enhanced ROS production in response to S. aureus-induced sepsis. Neutrophil dynamics were altered with reduced cellular recruitment to the liver following infection. Bacterial dissemination post-intravenous administration was not altered by mirtazapine treatment; however, hepatic abscess formation was significantly reduced. Conclusions: Mirtazapine rapidly activates Kupffer cells, associated with preserved bacterial capture functions and enhanced ROS generation capacity. Moreover, these changes in Kupffer cells were linked to a beneficial reduction in hepatic abscess size. In contrast to our initial speculation, mirtazapine may have beneficial effects in sepsis and warrants further exploration.

Abscesos hepaticos en tiempos de pandemia (covid19) / Hepatic abscesses in time of pandemic (COVID 19)

Introducción. Los abscesos hepáticos son infecciones focales supurativas. La Klebsiella pneumoniae es el agente etiológico más frecuente. Afecta principalmente a hombres de edad media, diabéticos, con afecciones hepáticas o en contexto de inmunodepresión. Se clasifican en abscesos colangíticos, pioflebíticos, hematógenos, por continuidad, traumáticos y criptogénicos, según mecanismo de producción. Se manifiestan con dolor abdominal en hipocondrio derecho, sd. febril y sd. colestásico en presencia de obstrucción de vía biliar. La ecografía, TAC y la Resonancia magnética de abdomen son los métodos de elección para determinar topografía y morfología de las colecciones. El tratamiento consiste en el drenaje oportuno de la colección por vía percutánea o quirúrgica, asociado al tratamiento antibiótico. Objetivos: 1. Análisis epidemiológico de abscesos hepáticos durante la Pandemia por Covid 19 en una Institución privada de Tucumán. 2. Estudiar la fisiopatología y agentes patógenos responsables de los mismos. 3. Comparar estadísticas con era similar no Covid 19. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron seis pacientes con diagnóstico de Absceso Hepático, cinco de ellos del período de la era Covid 19 y uno de la era no Covid 19. Las variables analizadas fueron: cantidad de pacientes ingresados al Servicio, pacientes con absceso hepático, sexo, edad, comorbilidades, métodos de diagnóstico imagenológico utilizados, localización anatómica del absceso, número de lesiones, microbiología de la muestra quirúrgica y en sangre, tratamiento implementado, días desde el diagnóstico hasta la resolución, STROC y recidiva. Resultados: En el análisis epidemiológico se evidenció un notable descenso de la actividad quirúrgica en el periodo del 2020, respecto al mismo período del año previo, a predominio del mes de abril con un porcentaje de descenso del 52%, coincidiendo este período con el inicio de la cuarentena en la provincia. En nuestra serie resultaron todos masculinos, hipertensos y 3 de ellos diabéticos. Todos estudiados por ecografía y 3 complementaron con TAC con contraste EV. Fueron tratados en un promedio de 48hs desde el diagnóstico. Cultivos positivos, Klebsiella Pn (3), St aureus (1), E. Coli (1), Bacilo gram ­ (1). Hemocultivos: 3 negativos, 2 positivos para Klebsiella Pn y 1 para St. Aureus. 3 pacientes fueron sometidos a drenaje percutáneo, 2 a laparoscópico y uno convencional. Se registraron 2 STROC IIIA y 1 IIIB. Un paciente obitó, el resto recibió alta sanatorial. Se registraron 2 recidivas. Conclusiones: Nuestros pacientes, en su totalidad masculinos y diabéticos, desarrollaron abscesos hepáticos piógenos; el agente patógeno más frecuente fue la Klebsiella Pneumoniae. Los abscesos criptogénicos fueron los más prevalentes. En las recidivas documentadas, se determinó misma ubicación topográfica y agente etiológico del primer episodio, lo que nos lleva a preguntarnos sobre la eficacia del tratamiento implementado en cada caso.

Introduction: liver abscess is a common infection. Klebsiella pneumoniae was de most frecuently etiologic agent. The patients were middle-aged men with diabetes, another liver afection or immunodepression context. According to the production mechanism, they are classified in colangitics, pyophlebics, haematogenes, by continuity, traumatic and cryptogrnics. Patients usually present with right upper quadrant, fever, colestasic síndrome when bile-way obstruction exist. Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance are useful tools to demostrtate a space occupying lesión and morfology of liver abscess. Treatment consist in timely drainage by percutaneous or surgical route, plus antibiotic treatment. Objetives: 1. Epidemiological análisis of liver abscesses during the pandemic Covid 19 in a private center in Tucumán. 2. Study physiology and pathogenic agents. 3. Campare statistics whit previusly period. Materials and methods: retrospective descriptive study. Six live abscess diagnosis patient were included, five of them included in stage Covid 19 and only one belong stage no Covid 19. Variables analysed: number of patients belong to the Service, number of patients whit liver abscess diagnosis, sex, age, comorbilities, imaging methods, location and number of abscess, microbiology of surgical sample and blood, treatment, days from diagnosis to resolution, STROC and recidivation. Results: epidemiological análisis showed a decrease in surgeries in the period 2020, compared to the same period of the previous year, a predominance in April with a percentage decrease of 52%, coinciding with the start of quarantine in the province. All patients were male, hypertensive and 3 of them with diabetes. Al lof them studied by ultrasound and tomography with contrast. They were treated at 48hours of diagnosis. Microbiology of surgical sample positive: Klebsiella Pn (3), St aureus (1), E. Coli (1), Bacillos gram ­ (1). Microbiology of blood: 3 negative, 2 positive to Klebsiella Pn and 1 to St. Aureus. 3 patients were drainage by percutaneous , 2 by laparoscopic and 1 by surgical conventional. They registered 2 STROC IIIA y 1 IIIB. 1 patiente dead, the rest were external from hospital. Conclusions: our patients developed liver abscess, they were male, diabetics and the most frecuently agent was the Klebsiella pneumoniae. Criptogenics abscess were the most prevalent. The same topographic location in the liver and the etiologic agent was determined in recurrence. That´s why we wonder about the effectiveness of the treatment implemented.

Falciform ligament abscess secondary to a ruptured liver abscess in a child: a case report.

Abscess of the liver ligaments is extremely rare, and abscess of the falciform ligament has been sporadically reported. We report the case of a 3 years old male who presented with a three days history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever and nausea. The ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan showed an abdominal wall abscess located anterior to the liver. The patient underwent surgery. Abscess of the falciform ligament secondary to a ruptured liver abscess was found. Excision of the falciform ligament including the abscess was performed. Although pathology of the falciform ligament is rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.

Morphological characteristics of liver abscesses according its etiology / Características morfológicas de los abscesos hepáticos según su etiología

Although infrequent in the diagnostics areas, liver abscesses are of significant relevance, which is related to the high morbidity and mortality figures they can cause if they are not detected and treated in time. Although multiple operational classifications are described, the one most recognized for its usefulness is that related to its causative agent (pyogenic or bacterial infection, hydatid origin or secondary to infected hydatidosis, and amoebic or by invasive amebiasis). The objective of this article was to generate a study report regarding the morphological characteristics of liver abscesses, characterizing them according to their etiology, as well as describing their study and the latest recommended treatments.

Los abscesos hepáticos son entidades nosológicas de baja frecuencia, pero de significativa relevancia, la que se relacionada con las elevadas cifras de morbilidad y mortalidad que pueden causar si no son detectados y tratados a tiempo. Si bien se describen múltiples clasificaciones operacionales, aquella más reconocida por su utilidad es la relacionada a su agente causal (piógenos o bacterianos, hidatídicos o secundarios a hidatidosis infectada, y amebianos o por amebiasis invasora). El objetivo de este artículo fue generar un documento de estudio respecto de las características morfológicas de los abscesos hepáticos, caracterizándolos de acuerdo con su etiología, así como describir su estudio y tratamiento recomendado de acuerdo con el estado del arte.

Desarrollo de modelo experimental animal de peritonitis bacteriana / Development of animal experimental model for bacterial peritonitis

OBJETIVO: Desarrollar un modelo de sepsis abdominal en animal de experimentación. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizan ratas Sprague-Dawley(R), machos de 5 semanas con pesos entre 270-280 g en el momento de la inoculación (N=39). Inicialmente se realiza un estudio piloto (N=9), distribuyéndolas en 3 grupos (3/3/3) con inóculo de 1cc de Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 intraperitoneal en concentraciones de 10E8, 10E9 y 10E10 UFC. En un segundo estudio (N=6) con distribución en dos grupos (3/3) se utilizan 1cc una concentración de E. coli 10E10 UFC que se diluyen en 10 y 15 ml de agua destilada para su inoculación. Por último se inicia un ensayo experimental con aleatorización de 24 ratas en tres grupos de tratamiento tras la infección intraperitoneal: Grupo I con suero fisiológico (N=6), Grupo II con antibiótico (ceftriaxona) (N=9), Grupo III con antibiótico más adyuvante (ceftriaxona más alicina) (N=9). Se realizan muestras microbiológicas de sangre y líquido peritoneal, así como estudio histopatológico de órganos intraperitoneales (hígado, diafragma y peritoneo). RESULTADOS: Se observa muerte en el 100% de las ratas infectadas con la concentración de E. coli 10E10 UFC con la dilución de 15 ml de agua destilada y sin antibiótico. El hemocultivo y cultivo de líquido peritoneal es positivo a la misma cepa en todas ellas. Se observa la formación de abscesos en la superficie del hígado e infiltración por polimorfonucleares en los tejidos. CONCLUSIÓN: Se establece que la dosis letal de E. coli es 10E10 UFC diluida en 15 ml agua destilada en inyección intraperitoneal

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to develop a model of abdominal sepsis in the experimental animal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male rats of 5 weeks (N=39) were used. Initially, a pilot study (N = 9) was performed and distributed in 3 groups with 1cc inoculum of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 intraperitoneally at concentrations of 10E8, 10E9 and 10E10 CFU. Subsequently, concentrations of 10E10 CFU are used in two groups of 3 rats with dilutions of 10 cc and 15 cc of distilled water respectively. Finally, a randomized trial of 24 rats was started in three treatment groups after intraperitoneal infection: Group I with physiological serum (N = 6), Group II with ceftriaxone (N = 9), Group III with ceftriaxone plus allicin (N = 9). Microbiological samples of blood and peritoneal fluid were made, as well as histopathological study of intraperitoneal organs (liver, diaphragm and peritoneum). RESULTS: Death of 100% of the rats infected with 10E10 E. coli UFC concentration with the dilution of 15 ml of distilled water and without antibiotic was oberved. The blood culture and peritoneal fluid culture was positive for the same strain in all of them. The formation of abscesses on the liver surface and polymorphonuclear infiltration in tissues were observed. CONCLUSION: The lethal dose of E. coli is 10E10 CFU diluted in 15 cc distilled water by intraperitoneal injection

Klebsiella pneumoniae Multiple Liver Abscesses and Bacteremia in a Transfusion-dependent ß Thalassemia Major Patient.

ß thalassemia major is a common hemoglobinopathy in Sri Lanka. Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is a Gram-negative capsulated organism responsible for various nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Transfusion-dependent splenectomized thalassemia patients are at risk of infections. Liver abscess is an infection to suspect in such patients, and, among the organisms, KP is an organism to watch out for. Furthermore, KP could cause multiple liver abscesses, which makes it difficult to treat, as it cannot be drained. We report a 16-year-old splenectomized transfusion-dependent thalassemia major patient who presented with multiple liver abscesses with KP bacteremia.