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[Liver abscesses due to Yersinia enterocolitica]
H Albrecht1, H J Stellbrink, H H Nägele
1Medizinische Kernklinik und Poliklinik, Universitäts-Krankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|March 1, 1991
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of liver abscesses caused by Yersinia enterocolitica infection in a patient with type II diabetes. Effective treatment involved a switch to cefotaxim, leading to complete abscess regression.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica is a bacterial pathogen that can cause a range of infections.
- Liver abscesses are collections of pus in the liver, often caused by bacterial or parasitic infections.
- Type II diabetes is a common metabolic disorder that can increase susceptibility to infections.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male with type II diabetes presented with prolonged fever, upper abdominal pressure, weight loss, and weakness.
- Initial imaging suggested liver metastases, but further investigation revealed multiple liver abscesses.
- Fine-needle biopsy identified Yersinia enterocolitica as the causative agent, with evidence of asymptomatic intestinal infection.
Findings:
- Initial antibiotic treatment with mezlocillin and tobramycin failed to resolve the liver abscesses.
- Subsequent treatment with cefotaxim resulted in complete regression of the abscesses within three weeks.
- The patient achieved full symptom recovery and remained disease-free.
Implications:
- Yersinia enterocolitica should be considered in the differential diagnosis of liver abscesses, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- Cefotaxim appears to be an effective treatment for Yersinia-induced liver abscesses.
- This case underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic workup for complex infections in diabetic patients.