Multiple liver abscesses secondary to Yersinia enterocolitica

Abstract

A 37-year-old male, a poorly-controlled insulin-dependent diabetic patient, was admitted to our hospital with complaints of high fever and confusion. Laboratory data showed hyperglycemia, positive inflammatory reaction and liver dysfunction. Blood culture demonstrated Yersinia enterocolitica. Liver CT scan showed multiple low density areas. These data were consistent with a diagnosis of liver abscess secondary to Yersinia enterocolitica. He died of disseminated intravascular coagulation; subsequent autopsy confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Liver abscess secondary to Yersinia enterocolitica with septicemia is rare, but has been reported in compromised hosts. In the mechanism of this disease, the alimentary tract has been suggested to be the port of entry in most cases.