Abstract
Background: Liver abscess may be a complication after pancreatectomy. Eikenella corrodens is a rare pathogen associated with sepsis and endocarditis among other infections. Methods: We report on a patient who developed a polymicrobial liver abscess with three unusual pathogens three months following pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A review of the literature with regard to liver abscesses caused by the rare pathogens was performed. Results: The eight cm pyogenic liver abscess, which grew Eikenella corrodens, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Lactobacillus spp., was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy using piperacillin=tazobactam followed by ertapenem. Literature review for previously reported cases of liver abscesses due to these organisms revealed that most were percutaneously drained and had good outcome. Eikenella corrodens (n=10) and Prevotella (n=8) liver abscesses were typically polymicrobial, whereas Lactobacillus (n=6) liver abscesses were more commonly monomicrobial. Conclusions: Uncommon organisms such as Eikenella corrodens causing uncommon infections such as liver abscesses must be considered after pancreatic resection with adjuvant chemotherapy. Following species diagnosis, favorable outcome can be achieved.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 58-64 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | European Surgery - Acta Chirurgica Austriaca |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2010 |
Keywords
- Eikenella corrodens.
- Liver abscess
- Pancreatectomy
- Pancreatic cancer
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery