Pylephlebitis, portal-mesenteric thrombosis, and multiple liver abscesses owing to perforated appendicitis

Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis as a Rare Complication of Appendicitis: A Report of Two Cases

Intra-abdominal inflammatory conditions, including acute appendicitis, are a common occurrence in the emergency department. In addition to employing various imaging modalities to determine the underlying cause, the consequences of these inflammatory diseases must be assessed. Thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein is a rare complication of acute appendicitis. It is essential to be aware of this complication as early diagnosis may improve patient prognosis given that this consequence has a high mortality rate.

Pylephlebitis: A Systematic Review on Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Infective Portal Vein Thrombosis

Pylephlebitis, defined as infective thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, is a rare condition with an incidence of 0.37-2.7 cases per 100,000 person-years, which can virtually complicate any intra-abdominal or pelvic infections that develop within areas drained by the portal venous circulation. The current systematic review aimed to investigate the etiology behind pylephlebitis in terms of pathogens involved and causative infective processes, and to report the most common symptoms at clinical presentation. We included 220 individuals derived from published cases between 1971 and 2022. Of these, 155 (70.5%) were male with a median age of 50 years. There were 27 (12.3%) patients under 18 years of age, 6 (2.7%) individuals younger than one year, and the youngest reported case was only 20 days old. The most frequently reported symptoms on admission were fever (75.5%) and abdominal pain (66.4%), with diverticulitis (26.5%) and acute appendicitis (22%) being the two most common causes. Pylephlebitis was caused by a single pathogen in 94 (42.8%) cases and polymicrobial in 60 (27.2%) cases. However, the responsible pathogen was not identified or not reported in 30% of the included patients. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (25%), Bacteroides spp. (17%), and Streptococcus spp. (15%). The treatment of pylephlebitis consists initially of broad-spectrum antibiotics that should be tailored upon bacterial identification and continued for at least four to six weeks after symptom presentation. There is no recommendation for prescribing anticoagulants to all patients with pylephlebitis. However, they should be administered in patients with thrombosis progression on repeat imaging or persistent fever despite proper antibiotic therapy to increase the rates of thrombus resolution or decrease the overall mortality, which is approximately 14%.

Pylephlebitis With Splenic and Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis in a Patient With Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a common gastrointestinal complaint that refers to inflammation of colonic diverticula. Its incidence has increased partly due to the increase in prevalence of diverticulosis, which results from poor dietary habits and chronic constipation. An acute diverticulitis episode can vary in severity, ranging from outpatient management of mild abdominal discomfort to inpatient admission requiring emergent surgery. Some common complications associated with diverticulitis include bowel wall perforation, microperforation, abscess formation, bowel obstruction, and colonic fistulas. A lesser-known complication of diverticulitis is pylephlebitis. Pylephlebitis refers to thrombosis of the portal vein resulting from sepsis secondary to an intra-abdominal or pelvic infection. Initially thought to be most associated with appendicitis, literature has emerged that implicates diverticulitis as the most likely culprit. Less frequently, pylephlebitis can also include thrombosis of the abdominal vasculature that drains into the portal vein such as the mesenteric veins and splenic vein. Despite antibiotic therapy, mortality in patients with pylephlebitis is high as it can lead to bowel ischemia, liver failure, or liver abscesses. While antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment, anticoagulation can also be used in conjunction, especially when thrombosis extends beyond the portal vein. Herein, we present a case of a patient who was diagnosed with pylephlebitis with thrombosis extension into the splenic and mesenteric veins, which resulted from an episode of severe sigmoid diverticulitis. Our patient was treated medically with antibiotics and anticoagulation and underwent a loop transverse colostomy with full recovery. He was discharged with intravenous antibiotics and long-term anticoagulation. We present this case to highlight a rare complication of an otherwise common pathology and describe our management that led to a positive outcome for this patient.

Perforated retrocecal appendicitis presenting with lung abscess—A case report

Retrocecal appendicitis usually presents with atypical signs and symptoms which may lead to delayed diagnosis, perforation and serious complications. Development of a large lung abscess secondary to perforation of retrocecal appendicitis in an adolescent patient is an extremely rare entity and to the best of our knowledge has not been described in literature. We present a 15-year-old boy with complaint of chest pain, cough, fever, vague abdominal pain and raised inflammatory markers who underwent CT examination. On CT, a collection with focal calcification was noted in the right iliac fossa that extended along the right retroperitoneum through the retrocrural space in the right lung base communicating with a cavitary pulmonary lesion with air-fluid level. A diagnosis of perforated retrocecal appendicitis with retroperitoneal and right lung abscesses was made. The patient underwent appendectomy and the entire retroperitoneal and lung abscesses were drained. A lung abscess as a complication of perforated retrocecal appendicitis should be in consideration in septic patients with thoracoabdominal infectious manifestations.

Rare Complications of Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report

Introduction

Appendicitis is a common disease, and as we have improved in early diagnosis and management of this disease process, late stage complications have become extremely rare, but can have indolent presentations.

Case Report

A 37-year-old male with no past medical history presented to the emergency department (ED) with vague abdominal pain as well as 12 days of cyclical fever. He had no significant findings on laboratory workup with the exception of a mild aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase and relative neutrophilia between outpatient, urgent care, and ultimate ED visit. His ED workup included cross-sectional imaging of his abdomen revealing multiple liver abscesses and septic thrombophlebitis secondary to ruptured appendicitis.

Conclusion

Liver abscesses and septic thrombophlebitis are an extremely rare complication of appendicitis that has only been documented twice previously.

Pyogenic Liver Abscesses Caused by Acute Appendicitis: Frequency and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Recommendations

Background: Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) are caused by biliary diseases or hematogenous spreading of mostly intra-abdominal infections. Liver abscesses resulted in hematogenous spreading of infections via the portal vein, such as abscesses caused by acute appendicitis. Pyogenic liver abscesses associated with appendicitis have rarely been described in the literature, especially in adults. The standard therapeutic procedures for liver abscesses are broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage. Surgery for liver abscesses is required in cases of unsuccessful processes. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with liver abscesses between January 2005 and June 2013 was performed. Parameters investigated included demographics, etiologies of abscesses, treatment modalities, and germ spectrum including antibiotic profile. Five cases of PLA caused by appendicitis were reviewed in detail. Results: During the study period, 49 patients with PLA and 1,986 patients with acute appendicitis were treated in our hospital. Twenty-one patients with PLA were treated with antibiotic agents and computed tomography (CT)-guided drainage. Liver resections were necessary in 29 of the patients with PLA. In five patients with PLA, abscesses were caused by an acute appendicitis (9.4% of all PLA, 0.25% of all appendicitis operations). Diagnosis of appendicitis as cause of PLA was made during surgery for liver resections in three patients. Previous imaging was not clear in all cases of PLA caused by appendicitis. The most common pre-operative symptoms in patients with PLA caused by appendicitis were fever and right upper quadrant tenderness. Discussion: Pyogenic liver abscesses caused by acute appendicitis are rare. In the study period of eight and one-half years nearly 2,000 cases of acute appendicitis were treated and five of these patients developed liver abscesses (0.25%). Pyogenic liver abscesses should be considered in patients with unusual high infectious parameters, septic symptoms, and detection of unknown liver lesions.

A 2-year-old with a hepatic abscess secondary to an ascending retrocecal appendicitis: case report and review of the literature

Background

Diagnosing appendicitis within the pediatric population can be challenging, whether it be a neonate with irritability or a toddler with flank pain. Symptoms may mimic a viral illness, constipation, urinary tract infection, or intussusception, all of which are more common in this age group when compared with appendicitis. While a ruptured appendicitis can result in an intra-abdominal abscess, peritonitis, and/or shock, the development of a pyogenic hepatic abscess is extremely rare.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 2-year-old male who initially presented to the emergency department (ED) with fever and non-specific abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI). He returned to the ED days later with rigors, worsening abdominal pain, and was diagnosed with a pyogenic hepatic abscess secondary to an ascending retrocecal appendicitis. In our patient, he did not just have a UTI with cultures growing Escherichia coli, but a hepatic abscess that was polymicrobial. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and a 10 French pigtail catheter was placed. The patient was ultimately discharged on day 8 with continued antibiotics. After his antibiotic course, he underwent an elective laparoscopy appendectomy and is currently doing well post-operatively.

Conclusion

Our case report illustrates the significance in identifying atypical features of appendicitis, broadening the differential of non-specific abdominal pain in pediatric patients, and depending on the clinical situation, ruling out other potential intra-abdominal infections even in the presence of a true urinary tract infection.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis as a complication of appendicitis in an adolescent: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition that can cause bowel ischemia. It results from a systemic hypercoagulable state or abdominal infection draining into the portal venous system. Several cases regarding portomesenteric venous thrombosis as a complication of appendicitis were reported in adults, but there are far fewer reports in pediatric patients. The mortality rate of the condition is high if untreated, especially in children, reaching up to 50%.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A healthy 15-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with right lower quadrant pain, lethargy, and fever. The computed tomography scan showed a focal thrombosis at the superior mesenteric vein branch and an inflamed appendix.

DIAGNOSES

Mesenteric venous thrombosis complicating acute appendicitis.

INTERVENTIONS

Intravenous antibiotics along with anticoagulants and laparoscopic appendectomy OUTCOMES:: After 1 month, a follow-up ultrasonography revealed full resolution of the thrombosis.

LESSONS

Appendicitis is one of the most frequently encountered causes of pediatric surgical emergencies; therefore, physicians should be conscious of mesenteric venous thrombosis as a possible complication of acute appendicitis, irrespective of whether patients have thrombophilic conditions or not.

Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp leading to acute appendicitis with multiple pyogenic liver abscesses: A case report

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Appendicitis with liver abscess and sessile serrated adenoma/polyp is rare.

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Ileocecal resection was performed for an inflammatory mass in the ileocecum.

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The patient was successfully treated with a combination of surgery and antibiotics.

Introduction

Although appendicitis is a common disease, appendicitis concurrent with liver abscesses and sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) is rare.

Presentation of case

A 69-year-old man presented with symptoms of abdominal pain and fever. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple liver abscesses and an enlarged appendix with a pseudotumoral appearance, which suggested acute appendicitis. In the emergency operation, ileocecal resection was performed for the perforated appendicitis with an inflammatory mass in the ileocecum. On macroscopic examination, the torose lesion was localized at next to the appendiceal orifice. The tumor was diagnosed as SSA/P based on the microscopic finding. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the liver abscesses were cured by antibiotic therapy. The patient was discharged 17 days after the surgery.

Discussion

In this case, SSA/P localization at next to the appendiceal orifice was suggested as the cause of the perforated appendicitis with multiple liver abscesses. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of surgery and antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion

This is the first reported case of a patient with SSA/P that led to acute appendicitis with multiple pyogenic liver abscesses.

Complications in common general pediatric surgery procedures

Complications related to general pediatric surgery procedures are a major concern for pediatric surgeons and their patients. Although infrequent, when they occur the consequences can lead to significant morbidity and psychosocial stress. The purpose of this article is to discuss the common complications encountered during several common pediatric general surgery procedures including inguinal hernia repair (open and laparoscopic), umbilical hernia repair, laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, and laparoscopic appendectomy.

Pylephlebitis: case report and literature review

We present the case of a 50-year-old man who comes to the emergency department of Dos de Mayo Hospital, Lima, Peru, with fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and jaundice. An intestinal infection arises as initial diagnosis. He is referred to the area of Internal Medicine where various laboratory tests and imaging studies were conducted, including an abdominal computerized tomography scan. The scan confirmed the diagnosis of pylephlebitis; treatment with antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy was immediately established. Response and evolution were favorable.

Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis accompanied with severe appendicitis

Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis caused by acute appendicitis is a very rare entity nowadays. We report a successfully treated case of a 21-year-old man with SMV thrombosis associated with severe acute appendicitis. Intravenous heparin was administered, and it was later substituted with warfarin. Systemic antibiotic therapy was continued for 1 week, and it was substituted with oral antibiotics, which were administered for 3 weeks. On the 45th postoperative day, follow-up computed tomography scan demonstrated dissolution of SMV thrombosis. Anticoagulation therapy was maintained for 3 months. He was discharged without any complications. SMV thrombosis can be treated successfully with emergency appendectomy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and anticoagulation therapy.

Acute appendicitis complicated by pylephlebitis: a case report

Pylephlebitis is defined as septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein. It is a rare but serious complication of an intraabdominal infection, more commonly diverticulitis and appendicitis. It has an unspecific clinical presentation and the diagnosis is difficult. The authors report a case of a 21-year-old man with acute appendicitis complicated by pylephlebitis. The diagnosis was made with contrast enhanced CT.

Pylephlebitis in a previously healthy emergency department patient with appendicitis

Pylephlebitis is a septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein that is associated with multiple suppurative abdominal infections, such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, cholangitis, and cholecystitis. We describe a case of pylephlebitis in a patient with fever and diffuse, poorly localized abdominal pain who was eventually diagnosed with appendicitis. We aim to increase awareness of this condition among emergency physicians, as timely initiation of antibiotics and expedited surgical resection may improve outcomes in this potentially fatal disease.

Pylephlebitis: an overview of non-cirrhotic cases and factors related to outcome

Pylephlebitis is a condition with significant morbidity and mortality. We review herein 100 relevant case reports published since 1971. Eighty-one patients were reported with acute pylephlebitis, while the remaining patients had chronic pylephlebitis. The most common predisposing infections leading to pylephlebitis were diverticulitis and appendicitis. Cultures from blood or other tissues were positive in 77%. The infection was polymicrobial in half of the patients and the most common isolates were Bacteroides spp, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. Thrombosis was extended to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), splenic vein, and intrahepatic branches of the portal vein (PV) in 42%, 12%, and 39%, respectively. Antibiotics were administered in all and anticoagulation in 35 cases. Patients who received anticoagulation had a favourable outcome compared to those who received antibiotics alone (complete recanalization 25.7% vs 14.8% (p > 0.05), no recanalization 5.7% vs 22.2% (p < 0.05), and death 5.7% vs 22.2% (p < 0.01)). Cases with complete recanalization had prompt diagnosis and management and two-thirds were recently published. Nineteen patients died; the majority of these (73.7%) died over the period 1971-1990. In conclusion, pylephlebitis remains an entity with high morbidity and mortality, but modern imaging modalities have facilitated an earlier diagnosis and have improved the prognosis. Anticoagulation has a rather beneficial effect on patients with pylephlebitis.

[Pylephlebitis in the child: a challenging diagnosis]

Pylephlebitis or septic thrombophlebitis of the portomesenteric veins is a complication of intra-abdominal infections. The disease is rare in children and the diagnosis is often delayed. The morbidity of pylephlebitis is relatively low, although there is a risk of residual thrombosis. We report on 2 cases of pylephlebitis in a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, following undiagnosed appendicitis. In the 1st case, the young girl had been misdiagnosed with Salmonella infection and was given antibiotics; in the 2nd case, the boy had retrocecal appendicitis that was clinically subacute. An accurate diagnosis was finally made in both cases by CT scan. Both children evolved satisfactorily following appendectomy, long-term antibiotics, and anticoagulation. Clinically, the severe sepsis associated with pylephlebitis is at the forefront. Physical examination is often normal and therefore of little help; the knowledge of a preceding abdominal infection leads to further radiological investigations. Biologically, there are pronounced signs of infection. CT is the preferred exam for diagnosing pylephlebitis, as it can also show the underlying cause of the intra-abdominal sepsis or possible complications. Doppler sonography is recommended more for follow-up of the portal vein thrombosis. Treatment of pylephlebitis associated with appendicitis always includes long-term antibiotics. An appendectomy is always performed either at the time of diagnosis or later. The need for anticoagulation therapy in children is controversial. However, most pediatricians recommend its use, beginning as soon as possible, to be continued until normalization of portal vein flow.

A case of pylephlebitis secondary to cecal diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

Pylephlebitis, which has high rates of morbidity and mortality, is thrombosis in the hepatic and portal veins. Hypercoagulability and intra-abdominal sepsis can lead to pylephlebitis, which can progress to liver abscess, mesenteric ischemia, and infarction.

CASE REPORT

A 47-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department complaining of fever, epigastric pain, and jaundice. He was diagnosed with pylephlebitis secondary to diverticulitis, as well as having a diverticular abscess, and was treated with antibiotic therapy without surgery or anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis is essential for the treatment of pylephlebitis. Antibiotics and anticoagulants are the mainstay of treatment for pylephlebitis; although the use of anticoagulants remains controversial. In the present case, pylephlebitis was treated successfully without anticoagulants.

Septic thrombophlebitis of the porto-mesenteric veins as a complication of acute appendicitis

Pylephlebitis, a rare complication of acute appendicitis, is defined as thrombophlebitis of the portal venous system. Pylephlebitis usually occurs due to secondary infection in the region drained into the portal system. We report a case of pylephlebitis caused by acute appendicitis. The patient was transferred from a private clinic 1 wk after appendectomy with the chief complaints of high fever and abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with pylephlebitis of the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein by CT-scan. The patient was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulation therapy, and discharged on the 25th day and follow-up CT scan showed a cavernous transformation of portal thrombosis.

Liver abscess in children

Liver abscesses are frequently observed in pediatric clinical practice in tropics and subtropics especially in developing countries. Children have unique set of predisposing factors which have been highlighted. Expected microbiology and setting for unusual organisms are mentioned. Clinical presentations', including importance of location and number of abscesses has been discussed. Role of each modality of treatment clarified. Importance and limitations of investigations and imaging explained and complications and mortality discussed.

Liver abscesses in children: a single center experience in the developed world

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiologic features, predisposing risk factors, and complications of children with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) referred to a tertiary pediatric hepatology center.

METHODS

We analyzed our database of all children referred to our unit over a 10 year period and performed a case note review of all patients with a radiologically proven PLA.

RESULTS

PLA was diagnosed in 15 children (7 boys), 0.5% of all referrals. They presented at a median age of 10 years (range 2 months-15 years). In three children (2 boys), PLA was the first manifestation of chronic granulomatous disease. Among the others, five had radiologic evidence of other intra-abdominal pathology (1 with subsequently proven appendicitis), and four developed portal vein thrombosis with portal hypertension. The commonest isolated pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Combined treatment with guided aspiration and prolonged intravenous antibiotics was successful in all patients.

CONCLUSION

PLA is a rare diagnosis in children in the developed world. It may be caused by primary neutrophil disorders even in the absence of a previous history of infection. Co-existent appendicitis, intra-abdominal sepsis, and ascending pylephlebitis must be sought because these children are at risk of developing portal vein obstruction and portal hypertension. Prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment guided by microbiologic sensitivities is highly effective.

Extensive retroperitoneal and right thigh abscess in a patient with ruptured retrocecal appendicitis: An extremely fulminant form of a common disease

As a disease commonly encountered in daily practice, acute appendicitis is usually diagnosed and managed easily with a low mortality and morbidity rate. However, acute appendicitis may occasionally become extraordinarily complicated and life threatening. A 56-year-old man, healthy prior to this admission, was brought to the hospital due to spiking high fever, poor appetite, dysuria, progressive right flank and painful swelling of the thigh for 3 d. Significant inflammatory change of soft tissue was noted, involving the entire right trunk from the subcostal margin to the knee joint. Painful disability of the right lower extremity and apparent signs of peritonitis at the right lower abdomen were disclosed. Laboratory results revealed leukocytosis and an elevated C-reactive protein level. Abdominal CT revealed several communicated gas-containing abscesses at the right retroperitoneal region with mass effect, pushing the duodenum and the pancreatic head upward, compressing and encasing inferior vena cava, destroying psoas muscle and dissecting downward into the right thigh. Laparotomy and right thigh exploration were performed immediately and about 500 mL of frank pus was drained. A ruptured retrocecal appendix was the cause of the abscess. The patient fully recovered at the end of the third post-operation week. This case reminds us that acute appendicitis should be treated carefully on an emergency basis to avoid serious complications. CT scan is the diagnostic tool of choice, with rapid evaluation followed by adequate drainage as the key to the survival of the patient.

Recent concepts regarding extra-hepatic portal hypertension

Extra-hepatic portal hypertension (EHPH) defined as non cirrhotic, presinusoidal and prehepatic portal hypertension, with obstruction and cavernomatous transformation of the main portal vein, entails a high, early and prolonged risk of gastro-intestinal bleeding (GIB) mainly from esophageal and/or gastric varices, and less often a risk of cholangiopathy or protein-losing enteropathy. Diagnosis of EHPH may be done with non invasive imaging techniques. Assessment of bleeding risk is based on results of endoscopic examination. Occurence of a bleeding episode or onset during follow-up of endoscopic signs of high risk of GIB require radical eradication of varices. Radical cure of EHPH is achieved at best by bypass surgery restoring a physiological portal flow, and as a second choice by shunt surgery. Endoscopic therapy has a place as first line treatment of GIB episodes, and also in a few cases with poor extrahepatic portal network contra-indicating efficient vascular surgery.