A case of liver abscess caused by Edwardsiella tarda with septic shock

Abstract

Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) uncommonly infects humans. Although hepatic abscesses caused by E. tarda are rare, they can become severe if there is an underlying disease. A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with chief complaints of general fatigue. The enhanced CT revealed multiple liver abscesses. His condition rapidly deteriorated with signs and symptoms of septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. After recovery from the shock by treatment with intravenous vasopressors and fluids, ultrasonography-guided percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage was performed. E. tarda was detected from blood and drainage specimens. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged 63 days after admission. E. tarda infection may be rapidly exacerbated, necessitating immediate intervention.