Occult liver abscess and foreign body perforation of the bowel

A unique case of foreign body perforation of the ileum and large occult liver abscess is reported. Preoperative abdominal ultrasonography localized the abscess cavities, permitting successful drainage and eventual full recovery of the patient. Due to the serious morbidity and mortality associated with undrained hepatic abscess, the possibility of this complication should be remembered in all patients with localized inflammatory conditions of the abdomen, particularly when hepatic dysfunction is unexplained.