An Unusual Case of Obstructive Jaundice Secondary to Pyogenic Liver Abscesses

Shannon K Brewer1, Pranav Patel2, Riad Kesiry2

  • 1Internal Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA.

Cureus
|August 19, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) can cause obstructive jaundice, a rare complication. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and drainage are crucial for patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) are rare but severe infections.
  • Obstructive jaundice is a known complication of amebic liver abscesses.
  • PLA rarely cause obstructive jaundice.

Observation:

  • A case of multiple massive PLA presenting with obstructive jaundice is described.
  • The patient exhibited signs of severe liver infection and jaundice.

Findings:

  • Treatment involved six weeks of antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of abscesses.
  • The patient showed clinical improvement and resolution of hyperbilirubinemia.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for considering PLA in patients with obstructive jaundice.
  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for diverse etiologies of jaundice.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of PLA are vital to prevent severe outcomes.

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