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Updated: May 9, 2026
08:34
Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes
Published on: September 27, 2018
[Multiple pyogenic liver abscesses with the decline in neutrophil phagocytic function: a case report]
Yukihiko Okumura1, Rie Sugimoto, Terumasa Hisano
1Department of Anatomic Pathology, Kyushu University, Japan. yukihiko@surgpath.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Summary
This study reports a successful treatment for a patient with pyogenic liver abscesses and obstructive jaundice, using a combination of drainage and antibiotic infusion. The findings suggest a potential link between reduced neutrophil function and liver abscess development.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Pyogenic liver abscesses can present with non-specific symptoms like fever and fatigue.
- Obstructive jaundice and liver tumors can complicate the diagnosis and management of liver abscesses.
- Syphilis can present with diverse clinical manifestations, including hepatic involvement.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male presented with fever, weight loss, fatigue, jaundice, and suspected liver tumors.
- Diagnostic workup revealed multiple pyogenic liver abscesses, obstructive jaundice, and asymptomatic (silent) syphilis.
- The patient exhibited a decline in neutrophil phagocytic function.
Findings:
- A multimodal treatment approach was successfully employed, including endoscopic biliary stenting, endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, and percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage.
- Transcatheter regional hepatic arterial infusion with antibiotics proved to be the most effective therapeutic strategy.
- Successful resolution of pyogenic liver abscesses and obstructive jaundice was achieved.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering diverse etiologies, including syphilis, in patients with pyogenic liver abscesses and obstructive jaundice.
- The study underscores the efficacy of a combined interventional and antimicrobial approach, particularly transcatheter arterial infusion, for complex liver abscesses.
- Further research into the role of neutrophil function in the pathogenesis of pyogenic liver abscesses is warranted.
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