Aydin C, Kayaalp C, Kutlu R, Yilmaz S
Correspondence: Prof Cuneyt Kayaalp, cuneytkayaalp@hotmail.com
ABSTRACT
We report pyogenic liver abscess complicated by fistulisation into the portal vein and bile ducts in a 58-year-old diabetic woman, who was admitted to the hospital with fever, chills and rigors. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated a 7-cm multiloculated abscess in segment III, close to the left branch of the portal vein. The abscess was drained under fluoroscopic guidance in a single pass. Pus was aspirated, and diluted water-soluble contrast was injected into the cavity. Early films revealed filling of the cavity. Later, the contrast appeared in the bile ducts and left branch of the portal vein. Radiological intervention was discontinued. Immediate surgery, including left lateral segmentectomy, was performed. The preoperative course was uneventful, except for superficial surgical site infection. We opine that a hepato-venous fistula is an indication for surgical intervention, and that early resection of the fistula can prevent severe septic complications.
Keywords: bile duct, hepatectomy, interventional radiology, liver abscess, portal vein
Singapore Med J 2011; 52(7): e153-e155
