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Multiple hepatic abscesses: cholangiographic changes simulating sclerosing cholangitis and resolution after
A H Steinhart1, M Simons, R Stone
1Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
A patient with diverticulitis developed liver abscesses and sclerosing cholangitis. Treatment with antibiotics and biliary drainage led to full recovery within two weeks.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Diverticulitis can lead to intra-abdominal complications.
- Sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic disease affecting bile ducts.
- Hepatic abscesses represent a serious infection of the liver.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old male presented with multiple hepatic abscesses post-diverticulitis.
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram revealed sclerosing cholangitis with hepatic abscesses.
- No gallstones were identified on imaging studies.
Findings:
- The patient received a drain in the right biliary tree.
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy was administered.
- Complete resolution of hepatic abscesses and normalization of the biliary tree occurred within 14 days.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare complication of diverticulitis.
- Prompt diagnosis and combined treatment (antibiotics and drainage) are crucial for managing hepatic abscesses secondary to biliary issues.
- Non-surgical management can be effective in select cases of complicated sclerosing cholangitis.