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Liver abscess in Crohn's disease
1Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Liver abscess is a rare complication of Crohn's disease. Early diagnosis and catheter drainage are key to successful treatment, even with unusual predisposing factors like skin infections.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Liver abscess is a serious complication of Crohn's disease.
- Predisposing factors include intra-abdominal abscesses, fistulous disease, and certain therapies.
- High mortality rates are associated with liver abscess in Crohn's disease patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on six patients with liver abscess as a complication of Crohn's disease.
- To identify predisposing factors and diagnostic challenges.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes and suggest diagnostic criteria.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of six patients with Crohn's disease and liver abscess.
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment outcomes.
- Analysis of predisposing factors and time to diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Three patients presented with liver abscess as the initial Crohn's disease manifestation.
- Diagnosis was delayed due to non-specific symptoms.
- Nonoperative catheter drainage was successful in four patients; one required surgery.
- Minor skin infections were noted in two patients with staphylococcal liver abscesses.
Conclusions:
- Liver abscess can be an early or presenting sign of Crohn's disease.
- Delayed diagnosis is common due to atypical presentations.
- Prompt diagnosis via imaging and early catheter drainage are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Minor skin infections may be a predisposing factor in some staphylococcal liver abscess cases.