Pyogenic Liver Abscess Following an Uncomplicated Colonoscopy

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Pyogenic liver abscess presents a significant clinical challenge with high morbidity and mortality.
• Causes include intra-abdominal infections like diverticulitis, but diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion due to non-specific symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of pyogenic liver abscess following an uncomplicated colonoscopy.
• To emphasize the importance of considering liver abscess in cases of pyrexia of unknown origin.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient presenting with pyrexia of unknown origin.
• Diagnostic workup included evaluation for liver abscess post-colonoscopy.

Main Results:

• A pyogenic liver abscess was diagnosed one week after an uncomplicated colonoscopy with no biopsies taken.
• This presentation was unusual given the lack of procedural complications.

Conclusions:

• Pyogenic liver abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin.
• Liver abscess is a rare but possible complication following colonoscopy, irrespective of procedural complexity.