Step-up approach in emphysematous hepatitis: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Emphysematous hepatitis (EH) is a rare, rapidly progressive fulminant gasforming infection of the liver parenchyma. It is often fatal and mostly affectsdiabetes patients.CASE SUMMARYWe report a case of EH successfully managed by a step-up approach consisting ofaggressive hemodynamic support, intravenous antibiotics, and percutaneousdrainage, ultimately followed by laparoscopic deroofing. Of 11 documented casesworldwide, only 1 of the patients survived, treated by urgent laparotomy andsurgical debridement.CONCLUSIONEH is a life-threatening infection. Its high mortality rate makes timely diagnosisessential, in order to navigate treatment accordingly