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Foreign Body-Related Liver Abscess: A Case Study on Fishbone
Tram N Pham1, Qui H Nguyen1, Huong T Lam1
1Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM.
Abstract:
Foreign body-related complications are rare but possibly fatal events in clinical practice. Liver abscess as a result of gastrointestinal perforation caused by foreign bodies is even more rare. We report a case of a 63-year-old man who was admitted with fever and left epigastric pain. Further investigation revealed a liver abscess without resolution despite antibiotic therapy for several weeks. In the second admission, an enhanced computerized tomography scan revealed multiple abscesses in the left lobe of the liver, with a linear radio-dense foreign body within the collection. Open surgery was performed to extract the foreign body. The patient made a satisfactory postoperative recovery without complications and was discharged on the sixth postoperative day.
Insights
A rare case of liver abscess caused by a foreign body lodged in the gastrointestinal tract was successfully treated. Surgical removal of the foreign body led to complete recovery, highlighting a critical diagnostic and management consideration.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion can lead to rare but severe complications.
- Liver abscesses secondary to gastrointestinal perforation by foreign bodies are exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male presented with persistent fever and left epigastric pain.
- Initial antibiotic treatment failed to resolve a diagnosed liver abscess.
- Advanced imaging identified multiple liver abscesses and a linear foreign body within the liver lobe.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention was required for foreign body extraction.
- The patient experienced an uncomplicated postoperative recovery.
- Discharge occurred on the sixth postoperative day following successful treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering foreign body ingestion in unexplained liver abscesses.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in such rare presentations.
- Highlights the diagnostic utility of enhanced computerized tomography in identifying foreign bodies within visceral organs.
