[Liver abscesses with portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis in combination with late onset of appendicitis]

Abstract

Pyogenic liver abscesses are caused by appendicitis in less than 10%. Also the ascending septic inflammation of portal vein (pylephlebitis) could be a serious complication of intra-abdominal infection. Although pylephlebitis is not frequent today, its' mortality and morbidity rates remain high. We describe a case of young man with fever, abdominal pain, and multiple hepatic abscesses. After the symptomatic relief due to antibiotic therapy the pain returned as a result of the development of portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis. The cause of either hepatic abscesses or thrombosis was not clear at the time of dismissal. 2 months later the patient underwent acute abdominal revision with appendectomy for acute phlegmonous and gangrenous appendicitis. Since that time he has been without any clinical symptoms.