Liver abscess following superior mesenteric artery revascularization for acute mesenteric ischemia.

A case of pyogenic liver abscess following successful mesenteric artery revascularization is described in a patient with acute mesenteric ischemia. Prior to revascularization, arteriography confirmed celiac and superior mesenteric artery occlusion. Occurrence of liver abscess is explained on the basis of ischemia impairing the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, contributing to portal bacteremia that seeds ischemic or necrotic liver. In patients with acute mesenteric ischemia, sequential sonographic examination of the liver following mesenteric revascularization is advocated for early diagnosis of liver abscess if there is clinical evidence of the sepsis.