Pyogenic liver abscess complicated by endogenous endophthalmitis

Endogenous endophthalmitis is an inflammation of ocular tissues that can lead to deterioration of and loss of vision. Rarely, this can complicate the course of a patient with pyogenic liver abscess.

Over an 18-month period, 68 patients were treated for pyogenic liver abscesses. Three patients, all of whom were male and with diabetes, were diagnosed with a Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess complicated by endogenous endophthalmitis. Open surgical or percutaneous drainage of the liver abscess was undertaken and the symptomology and outcome of the endophthalmitis reviewed.

There was no mortality in our series. Two patients presented with simultaneous abdominal and ocular symptoms and one patient had ocular symptoms 3 days after surgical drainage of the liver abscess. Despite aggressive treatment, all patients had permanent deterioration of visual function with one patient becoming blind and requiring evisceration of the infected eye.

Ocular symptoms in patients treated for pyogenic abscesses must be dealt with urgently with an ophthalmologic consultation. Increased awareness of this complication and a high index of suspicion are paramount for salvage of visual function.