Pyogenic Liver Abscess as a Cause of Sepsis: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 54-year-old man with a liver abscess caused sepsis, but recovered after surgical drainage and antibiotics.

Contribution

This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention for pyogenic liver abscess to prevent sepsis.

Findings

Computed tomography was crucial for diagnosing the liver abscess.

Surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy successfully resolved the abscess.

Streptococcus anginosus was identified as the causative organism.

Abstract

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a potentially life-threatening condition that can progress to sepsis if not treated promptly. The condition often presents with non-specific symptoms such as persistent fever and abdominal pain, which can delay diagnosis. Computed tomography plays a crucial role in identifying hepatic abscesses and guiding timely intervention. We report the case of a 54-year-old man with a one-week history of high fever and epigastric pain. Imaging confirmed the presence of a liver abscess, and due to haemodynamic instability, surgical drainage was performed, yielding purulent material in which Streptococcus anginosus was isolated. Subsequent drainage 72 hours later resulted in the complete resolution of the abscess and the successful completion of antibiotic therapy.

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