MyMedR

The diagnosis and current treatment of liver abscess

Vijendran M

Med J Malaysia, 1977 Dec;32(2):133-8.

PMID: 614479

Matched MeSH terms: Liver Abscess/therapy

Liver abscess due to Fusobacterium species detected on ultrasonography: a case report

Subramaniyam V, Saito A, Tokushige K

J Med Ultrason (2001), 2018 Oct;45(4):623-627.

PMID: 29616359 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-018-0875-0

An oral infection harboring Fusobacterium species can gain entrance to the liver via hematogenous spread in the form of septic embolus, and can thereby cause abscesses. Such spread, described as Lemierre syndrome, is life threatening. We present such a case history of a man in his mid-40s, who presented with infection and Fusobacterium liver abscess with an acute fulminant disease course. The initial diagnosis was arrived at by ultrasound imaging and blood investigations. He was treated with antibiotics, ultrasound-guided liver abscess drainage, and extraction of the infected molar tooth. He was discharged 6 weeks after admission. To date, there have been no reports describing the ultrasound images of a Fusobacterium liver abscess in detail. Hence, we herein present the ultrasound images of a Fusobacterium liver abscess.

Matched MeSH terms: Liver Abscess/therapy

Fulltext Burkholderia Pseudomallei As The Predominant Cause Of Splenic Abscess In Kapit, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Chang CY

J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad, 2023;35(2):348-350.

PMID: 37422837 DOI: 10.55519/JAMC-02-11390

BACKGROUND: Splenic abscess is an uncommon condition, with autopsy studies estimating an incidence rate of 0.14-0.70%. Causative organisms can be extremely diverse. Burkholderia pseudomallei is the most common cause of splenic abscess in melioidosis-endemic areas.

METHODS: We reviewed 39 cases of splenic abscesses in a district hospital in Kapit, Sarawak, from January 2017 to December 2018. The demographics, clinical characteristics, underlying diseases, causative organisms, therapeutic methods, and mortality rates were investigated.

RESULTS: There were 21 males and 18 females (mean age, 33.7±2.7 years). Almost all patients (97.4%) had a history of pyrexia. Diabetes mellitus was present in 8 patients (20.5%). Splenic abscesses were diagnosed using ultrasonography and were multiple in all 39 cases. Positive blood cultures were obtained in 20 patients (51.3%), and all yielded B. pseudomallei. Melioidosis serology was positive in 9 of 19 patients (47.4%) with negative blood cultures. All patients were treated for melioidosis with antibiotics without the need for surgical intervention. All splenic abscesses resolved after anti-melioidosis treatment was completed. One patient died (2.6%) as a result of B. pseudomallei septicaemia with multiorgan failure.

CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing splenic abscesses in resource-limited settings. B. pseudomallei was the most common etiological agent of splenic abscesses in our study.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy

Fulltext Citrobacter koseri bacteraemia complicated by paraspinal abscess and spondylodiscitis--a case report

Shaharuddin NR, Leong CL, Chidambaram SK, Lee C

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Jun;67(3):337-9.

PMID: 23082432

Paraspinal abscess and spondylodiscitis due to Citrobacter koseri is a very rare condition. We report a remarkable case of Citrobacter koseri bacteraemia complicated by paraspinal abscess and spondylodiscitis in a patient who has successfully been treated in our hospital. Our patient demonstrates one of the common challenges in the practice of infectious disease medicine, wherein an innocuous presentation may and often underlie a serious infection. This case report elucidates to us that the diagnosis of a paraspinal abscess and spondylodiscitis requires a high index of suspicion in at risk patient presenting with compatible signs and symptoms.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy; Psoas Abscess/therapy

Fulltext Nasal septal abscess with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus: case reports

Dinesh R, Avatar S, Haron A, Suhana, Azwarizan

Med J Malaysia, 2011 Aug;66(3):253-4.

PMID: 22111451

Nasal septum abscesses caused by uncontrolled diabetes mellitus are rare. We report 3 cases. Very few cases have been published concerning non-traumatic nasal septum abscesses. The development of the condition, possible complications, and treatment are discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy

Aspiration of breast abscess under ultrasound guidance: outcome obtained and factors affecting success

Elagili F, Abdullah N, Fong L, Pei T

Asian J Surg, 2007 Jan;30(1):40-4.

PMID: 17337370

To assess ultrasonographically (US) guided needle aspiration of breast abscesses as an alternative to surgical incision and drainage.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy*

Median mental sinus in twins

Ong ST, Ngeow WC

Dent Update, 1999 May;26(4):163-5.

PMID: 10765768

Sinus on the chin can be the result of a chronic apical abscess due to pulp necrosis of a mandibular anterior tooth. The tooth is usually asymptomatic, and a dental cause is therefore not apparent to the patient or the unsuspecting clinician. Not infrequently, the patient may seek treatment from a dermatologist or general surgeon instead of a dentist. Excision and repair of the fistula may be carried out with subsequent breakdown because the dental pathology is not removed. This paper reports the presence of median mental sinus of dental origin in twins. One case healed following root canal therapy while the other required both root canal therapy and surgery to eliminate the infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Periodontal Abscess/therapy

Clinical presentation and outcome of brain abscess over the last 6 years in community based neurological service

Abdullah J

J Clin Neurosci, 2001 Jan;8(1):18-22.

PMID: 11322120

Sixty patients with brain abscess were treated at the Neurosurgical Unit of the Department of Surgery, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia between January 1990 and December 1996. A retrospective study was done and data were collected from the computerise d registry of the Record Unit of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Good results were achieved in patients who were both treated surgically and medically. There were only twelve deaths in this group. The main factor that influences morbidity and mortality of brain abscess is the clinical presentation on admission. The mortality was high in patients treated solely by medical means. Death was common in patients who presented with acute onset of symptoms of less than one week duration and those with poor mental status. Brain abscess is common in the East Coast population of peninsular Malaysia, probably due in part to lower socioeconomic status. Efforts should be directed towards prevention of infection and early recognition and management.

Matched MeSH terms: Brain Abscess/therapy*

Fulltext Lower lip numbness due to peri-radicular dental infection

Ngeow WC

Med J Malaysia, 1998 Dec;53(4):446-8.

PMID: 10971994

Lower lip numbness has always been a sinister symptom. Much has been written about it being the sole symptom of pathological lesions and metastatic tumours in the mandible. It may also be a symptom of manifestations of certain systemic disorders. A case of lower lip numbness resulting from the compression of the mental nerve by a peri-radicular abscess is presented because of the unusual nature of this spread of infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Periapical Abscess/therapy

Liver abscess in the tropics: experience in the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur

Goh KL, Wong NW, Paramsothy M, Nojeg M, Somasundaram K

Postgrad Med J, 1987 Jul;63(741):551-4.

PMID: 3658864

We reviewed 204 cases of liver abscess seen between 1970 and 1985. Ninety were found to be amoebic, 24 pyogenic and one tuberculous. The cause of the abscesses in the remaining 89 patients was not established. The patients were predominantly male, Indians, and in the 30-60 age group. The majority of patients presented with fever and right hypochondrial pain. The most common laboratory findings were leucocytosis, hypoalbuminaemia and an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase. Amoebic abscesses were mainly solitary while pyogenic abscesses were mainly multiple. Complications were few in our patients and included rupture into the pleural and peritoneal cavities and septicaemic shock. An overall mortality of 2.9% was recorded. The difficulty in diagnosing the abscess type is highlighted. The single most important test in helping us diagnose amoebic abscess, presumably the most common type of abscess in the tropics, is the Entamoeba histolytica antibody assay. This test should be used more frequently in the tropics.

Matched MeSH terms: Liver Abscess/therapy

Factors influencing paediatric neck abscess and treatment at Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban

Thilaga R, Ganesh R, Valuyeetham KA

Med J Malaysia, 2019 12;74(6):509-512.

PMID: 31929477

BACKGROUND: This is a descriptive study of in-patient paediatric population with the diagnosis of neck abscess. The objective of this study was to calculate the number of children who require conservative (antibiotic) management compared to surgery for neck abscess. A second objective was to identify the factors influencing the choice of the treatments selected.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a group of paediatric population aged 0 till 12 years of age, with a history of admission to paediatric ENT ward from the year 2010 till 2015 in HTJS. Initially, 69 children with the diagnoses of various neck infections were identified. Then, the sample amount was narrowed to 30 patients with neck abscesses only.

RESULTS: The data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. Twentyfive out of the 30 patients required operative drainage of abscess (83.3%). In this group, children aged ≤2 years old were the largest group to have undergone surgical drainage. Only five patients were successfully treated with antibiotic therapy alone. Nineteen children came only after developing neck swelling for more than a week, in which 18 of them required surgery.

CONCLUSION: Younger group of children are more likely to undergo surgical drainage than older children for neck abscess. Also, children who came in after two weeks of symptoms have a higher probablity of requiring surgery than antbiotic alone. Nonetheless, every child who comes in with neck abscess should be evaluated and treated early to avoid any sinister complications.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy*

Salvaging a Periodontally Compromised and Endodontically Involved Three-Rooted Mandibular First Molar With Cervical Enamel Projection

Western JS, Gupta VV, Ramachandra SS

Compend Contin Educ Dent, 2019 Mar;40(3):172-177.

PMID: 30829499

This case report describes the management of a mandibular first molar with an additional distolingual root (radix entomolaris) and grade III cervical enamel projection through a multidisciplinary approach. Diagnosis for the case was endodontic-periodontal lesion due to non-vitality and associated advanced periodontal destruction. The patient was treated with drainage of the periodontal abscess with adjunct antibiotics, phase I periodontal therapy, endodontic therapy, radiculoplasty, regenerative periodontal therapy, replacement of the missing right mandibular second molar, and long-term maintenance. Follow-up of the patient up to 9 months has been uneventful. Cases of advanced periodontal destruction typically show some degree of tooth mobility, which was absent in this case. The article discusses the tripod effect as well as the increased surface area for periodontal attachment provided by the additional root contributing to the non-mobility of the involved tooth.

Matched MeSH terms: Periodontal Abscess/therapy*

Fulltext Life-threatening parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess in an infant

Balasubramanian A, Shah JR, Gazali N, Rajan P

BMJ Case Rep, 2017 Oct 09;2017.

PMID: 28993356 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221269

Severe extensive deep neck abscess in an infant is uncommon. We share the case of a previously well 4-month old infant who was referred for a 4-day history of fever, lethargy and left lateral neck swelling. Contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a large 5.3×8 cm collection involving the left parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal space, causing significant airway narrowing. 40 mL of frank pus was drained via intraoral incision and drainage with the aid of endoscope, and undesirable complications from an external approach were averted. The infant was extubated 48 hours postsurgery and was discharged home well after completion of 1 week of intravenous antibiotics. The child was discharged well from our follow-up at 1 month review. We discuss the pathophysiology of deep neck space abscesses, its incidence in the paediatric population and the various management options.

Matched MeSH terms: Retropharyngeal Abscess/therapy*

Fulltext An atypical case of retropharyngeal abscess with long blind tract treated with Ryle's tube drainage

Tang ML, Lee SC, Phoon MP

Med J Malaysia, 2011 Dec;66(5):501-3.

PMID: 22390112

A 10 year-old Iban girl presented with severe odynophagia for 4 days and subcutaneous emphysema. Clinically, her neck was tender with crepitus. Lateral neck radiograph showed multiple linear radiolucent shadows at retropharyngeal space. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscope revealed a tunnel behind upper oesophagus with slough and there was pooling of saliva at pyriform sinus. Feeding via nasogastric tube was started and empirical treatment for fungal and bacterial infection was commenced. Subsequent computed tomography of neck and thorax showed a 15-long blind tract at subglottic region posterior to oesophagus (prevertebral region), extending to superior mediastinum just before carina at T3/T4 level, represent abscess. Hourly suctioning of the remaining abscess in the blind tract with 10ml-syringe was done.

Matched MeSH terms: Retropharyngeal Abscess/therapy*

Pediatric subperiosteal orbital abscess secondary to acute sinusitis: a 5-year review

Tan VES

Am J Otolaryngol, 2011 Jan-Feb;32(1):62-8.

PMID: 20031268 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2009.10.002

Objective: Subperiosteal orbital abscesses (SPOAs) secondary to acute sinusitis are rare occurrences in the pediatric age group, more so in the neonatal period. Here, a rare case of SPOA in a 38-day-old newborn later drained via endoscopic sinus surgery is included also. This review describes the demographic data, clinical history, treatment, microbiology results, complications, and outcome.
Methods: The admission records for all the patients who were admitted to the Pediatric Surgical Ward in Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Malaysia, between January 2004 and May 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Records of patients who presented with preseptal cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess (extraconal), orbital abscess (intraconal), and cavernous sinus thrombosis were closely studied. Ophthalmology consultations were obtained in all these cases. Ultimately, 3 patients having SPOA secondary to acute sinusitis were selected for this review.
Results: All patients were male with rapid onset of periorbital signs, absence of purulent rhinorrhea, and presence of significant thrombocytosis (exceeding 500 × 109/L). The 38-day-old newborn had mixed infection of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus bacteremia and local Acinetobacter eye infection with Staphylococcus aureus in the SPOA. All had medially located SPOA that was adequately drained via endoscopic sinus surgery, resulting in full recovery.
Conclusion: Newborns with preexisting risk factors and immature immunity are at risk of severe and rare infections. Contrast-enhanced paranasal sinus computed tomographic scan is mandatory and reliable to differentiate preseptal and postseptal orbital infection, as both conditions can present similarly and rapidly deteriorate. In the contrast-enhanced computed tomography–demonstrable SPOA, endoscopic sinus surgery drainage of the abscess proved to be safe and reliable as the main treatment modality. All patients recovered well without complications.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy

Melioidosis: an uncommon cause of neck abscess

Zulkiflee AB, Prepageran N, Philip R

Am J Otolaryngol, 2008 Jan-Feb;29(1):72-4.

PMID: 18061838 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2007.02.004

INTRODUCTION: Melioidosis is a life-threatening disease caused by B. pseudomallei. It is endemic in Southeast Asia with a few reports from the Western world. It is transmitted via inhalation, ingestion or direct contact with an open wound. Clinically it may present with local or systemic symptoms. Mortality rate is very high in systemic disease; but local infection is usually mild, which causes delay in seeking medical attention.
CASE REPORT: We report a case of neck melioidosis presenting as a parapharyngeal abscess that was successfully managed with incision and drainage and intravenous ceftazidime and co-trimoxazole for 6 weeks followed by eradication therapy with oral co amoxiclav.
CONCLUSION: Neck melioidosis must be considered one of differential diagnoses for "cold abscesses" of the neck, especially in an endemic area, in Asian migrants, or in those with history of previous visit from the endemic regions.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy

Complications of chronic suppurative otitis media: a left otogenic brain abscess and a right mastoid fistula

Chew YK, Cheong JP, Khir A, Brito-Mutunayagam S, Prepageran N

Ear Nose Throat J, 2012 Oct;91(10):428, 430.

PMID: 23076851

Otogenic brain abscess and postauricular fistula are complications of chronic suppurative otitis media. We describe a rare case of bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media that caused a left temporal lobe abscess and a right mastoid fistula.

Matched MeSH terms: Brain Abscess/therapy

Fulltext An unusual presentation of tropical pyomyositis

Sudha V, Abhishek M, Shashikiran U, Annappa K, Mukhyaprana MP

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jun;60(2):229-31.

PMID: 16114167

Tropical pyomyositis is a primary pyogenic infection of skeletal muscle, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The most common presentation of tropical pyomyositis is that of multiple acute abscesses with fever. Hepatitis is a rare manifestation of this disease. We report a case of tropical pyomyositis who presented with hepatic encephalopathy leading to initial diagnostic dilemma.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy

Fulltext The management of psoas abscess

Bajaj HN, Choong LT

Med J Malaysia, 1998 Sep;53 Suppl A:95-8.

PMID: 10968189

The presentation and management of psoas abscess was studied prospectively in 5 patients and retrospectively in 4. 3 patients had bilateral abscesses. All patients had back pain and a mass in loin or iliac fossa. 7 patients had no hip findings. One patient had a perinephric abscess and another had radiological features of tuberculosis of the spine. In the other seven no cause for the abscess could be identified. Ultrasonography demonstrated the abscess in all patients; CT scanning done in 5 patients was confirmatory. Drainage was done by an extraperitoneal route. Biopsy of the abscess wall in 2 patients demonstrated tuberculosis. They, the patient with TB spine and 3 others put empirically on anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy responded well. The perinephric abscess grew Pseudomonas sensitive to gentamycin, but she and two other patients died due to multiorgan failure.

Matched MeSH terms: Psoas Abscess/therapy*

Fulltext Bruton's agammaglobulinaemia in a child presenting with cryptococcal empyema thoracis and periauricular pyogenic abscess

Wahab JA, Hanifah MJ, Choo KE

Singapore Med J, 1995 Dec;36(6):686-9.

PMID: 8781652

We describe here a case of cryptococcal empyema thoracis and periauricular pyogenic abscess in a child with Bruton's agammaglobulinaemia. The cryptococcal empyema thoracis was treated with intravenous amphotericin B and intravenous fluconazole for six weeks followed by oral fluconazole. The pyogenic periauricular abscess was surgically drained and treated with intravenous ceftazidime and cloxacillin for two weeks. He also received monthly intravenous immunoglobulin.

Matched MeSH terms: Abscess/therapy

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