Pyogenic hepatic abscess secondary to endolumenal perforation of an ingested foreign body.

INTRODUCTION

Pyogenic hepatic abscess induced by foreign body perforation of the gastrointestinal tract is an increasing phenomenon. Pyogenic liver abscess in itself is a challenge to treat without the complication of a foreign body.

METHODS

A case of a patient who developed a pyogenic hepatic abscess after unknown ingestion of a toothpick that subsequently perforated the duodenum is presented, and a literature review of pyogenic hepatic abscesses secondary to ingestion of foreign bodies and their causes, diagnosis, and treatment was performed.

DISCUSSION

Even with a thorough workup, often the diagnosis of a pyogenic hepatic abscess secondary to an endolumenal foreign body perforation is not obtained until the time of operation.