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Liver Abscess Due to Dropped Appendicolith after Laparoscopic Appendectomy.
K Muyldermans1, C Brussaard1, I Willekens1
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology
|July 25, 2018
Summary
A dropped appendicolith, a retained fragment from appendicitis surgery, can cause serious infection. This case report details the first instance of an intrahepatic dropped appendicolith leading to a liver abscess.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Appendicitis affects 6-7% of the population lifetime.
- Appendicoliths are found in 30% of appendicitis cases.
- Dropped appendicoliths can lead to abscess formation, particularly near Morrison's pouch, risking sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented case of an intrahepatic dropped appendicolith.
- To highlight the potential for unusual abscess locations secondary to retained appendicoliths.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.
- Review of relevant literature on dropped appendicoliths and liver abscesses.
Main Results:
- A case of an intrahepatic dropped appendicolith causing a liver abscess is described.
- The abscess was located in the vicinity of Morrison's pouch, consistent with ectopic appendicolith presentations.
Conclusions:
- Intrahepatic localization of a dropped appendicolith is a rare but significant complication.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial to prevent severe outcomes like sepsis.
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