Severe Primary Liver Abscess and Septic Pulmonary Embolism Due to Klebsiella pneumoniae with Hypermucoviscosity Phenotype

Abstract

A 70-year-old man with diabetes mellitus seen for fever, right chest pain, and right-lung field consolidation on chest X-ray was found in thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) to have variable-sized nodules in both lung fields and multiple low-density hepatic areas. On physical examination, his pulse was 145 beats per minute and blood pressure 92/68mmHg, indicating a preshock state. Laboratory tests showed elevated WBC of 15,200/μL, serum-C-reactive protein (CRP) of 34.4mg/dL, and a decreased platelet count of 16,000/μL. Suspecting liver abscesses complicated by aseptic pulmonary embolism, we immediately conducted percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage (PTAD). Liver abscess blood culture and drainage fluidgrew the Klebsiella pneumoniae hypermucoviscosity phenotype, carrying the rmpA gene. Although the man had been in critical condition on admission, broad-spectrum antibiotics and PTAD treatment improved his clinical condition to where he could be discharged without problem.