Liver abscess following hematogenous transmission due to rectal foreign body perforation

Abstract

Liver abscess caused by hematogenous transmission from a gastrointestinal perforation by a foreign body is a rare but life-threatening condition. We present the case of a 57-year-old male with a pyogenic liver abscess generated on the basis of a foreign body perforation of the rectum. This has not been reported previously. During the examination of the patient, computed tomography scan showed not only the liver abscess but also an inflammatory presacral process, which communicated with the rectum through a 6.5-cm-long foreign body. Subsequent sigmoidoscopy showed a toothpick placed transmurally in the rectum; the toothpick was removed endoscopically. We discuss the importance of computed tomography scans and colonoscopies in relation to liver abscesses of unknown etiology, including the importance of detecting possible perforation caused by possible foreign bodies, polyps or cancer. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.