Review of hepatic abscess from Klebsiella pneumoniae. An association with diabetes mellitus and septic endophthalmitis.

I present the only comprehensive review of hepatic abscess from Klebsiella pneumoniae. The world literature contains 46 individually reported cases and 3 large studies of K pneumoniae liver abscess. The source of the abscesses frequently was not found. Diabetes mellitus was a frequent underlying condition and may predispose patients to the development of liver abscess with this organism. The exact mechanism is unclear, and further investigation is necessary. In addition, extrahepatic metastases, such as septic endophthalmitis, often occurred with serious complications, particularly in patients with diabetes. The association between K pneumoniae liver abscess and diabetes is so close that a search for underlying diabetes mellitus is warranted in all patients with K pneumoniae liver abscess. Fortunately, earlier diagnoses and better treatment modalities have improved the outcome for these patients.