S2662 An Unexpected Cause of Refractory Liver Abscesses

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of multifocal liver abscesses with recurrent fevers refractory to prolonged antibiotic therapy and catheter drainage due to penetration of a toothpick into the portal vein. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 72-year-old male with type II diabetes presented with fever, confusion, and right upper quadrant pain associated with malaise and unintentional weight loss. Objective findings were consistent with septic shock and acute liver injury. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a 6.9 × 8.0 × 5. hepatic abscess and several scattered fluid collections (Figure 1). Immediate broad-spectrum antibiotics and percutaneous catheter drainage resulted in clinical improvement. Abscess fluid and blood cultures grew actinomyces odontolyticus and streptococcus viridans, respectively. Amebic serology was negative. Transition to appropriate outpatient antibiotics resulted in two readmissions for recurrent fevers with persistent drainage output for weeks. A repeat CT showed a shrunken abscess and a 4.6 cm radio-opaque linear foreign body penetrating through the gastric antrum into a branch of the left portal vein (Figure 2). Review of previous imaging confirmed the foreign body was present since first admission. Upper endoscopy showed a patch of erythematous mucosa in the antrum encircling a pinpoint opening to a fistulous tract and exuding purulent fluid (Figure 3). Exploratory laparotomy revealed a 4.5 cm wooden toothpick in the portal vein surrounded by a dense fibrotic scar. Foreign body removal and porto-enteric fistula repair were performed. Follow up CT showed complete resolution of the abscess. DISCUSSION: Penetrating foreign body is a rare cause of liver abscess. To our knowledge, penetration of a foreign body into the portal vein resulting in liver abscesses has never been reported. Discovery of foreign body requires a high index of suspicion as patients rarely remember ingesting the object, and it can be easily missed on CT. When suspected, a non-contrast CT is recommended with attention to coronal/sagittal views with signs such as thickened antral wall and fistulous tract. Non-specific clinical features such as hematemesis, subacute/chronic abdominal pain, and failure of antibiotic therapy can be suggestive. In the setting of any of these findings, foreign body should be considered in patients with unexplained liver abscess.Figure 1.: A large dominant hepatic abscess measuring 6.9 × 8.0 × 5.3cm, involving segments 4A and 4B of the liver, extending to and involving the anterior wall of the gallbladder, as well as several scattered small fluid collections (MRI of liver without contrast).Figure 2.: A 4.6cm radio-opaque linear foreign body penetrating through the gastric antrum into a branch of the left portal vein (CT of abdomen and pelvis without contrast).Figure 3.: A patch of erythematous mucosa in the pre-pyloric antrum encircling a pinpoint opening to a fistulous tract and scant purulent liquid; the foreign body was not visible (upper endoscopy).