Open AccessA middle-aged lady with a pyogenic liver abscess caused byClostridium perfringens
Author(s) -
Siu-Tong Law,
Ming Kai Lee
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
world journal of hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 55
ISSN - 1948-5182
DOI - 10.4254/wjh.v4.i8.252
Subject(s) - medicine , clostridium perfringens , malignancy , liver abscess , immunosuppression , abscess , pyogenic liver abscess , epigastric pain , surgery , abdominal pain , gastroenterology , genetics , bacteria , vomiting , biology
The pyogenic liver abscess caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is a rare, but rapidly fatal infection. It is usually associated with malignancy and immunosuppression. We report the case of 50-year-old lady with the secondary liver metastases from rectal cancer presented with fever and epigastric pain. The identification of Gram-positive bacilli septicaemia, the presence of gas-forming liver abscess and massive intravascular hemolysis should lead to the suspicion of C. perfringens infection. Here we review twenty cases published since 1990 and their clinical features are discussed. The importance of "an aggressive treatment policy" with multidisciplinary team approach is emphasized.