Exuberant Intra-Abdominal Abscesses Secondary to Streptococcus Anginosus: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60591/crspmi.390Keywords:
Abdominal Abscess/diagnosis, Abdominal Abscess/therapy, Intraabdominal Infections/diagnostic imaging, Streptococcal Infections, Streptococcus anginosusAbstract
The group Streptococcus anginosus is comprised of bacteria that are usually indolent and commensal in nature, with a limited role as infective agents in healthy patients. They can, however, act as opportunistic agents in patients with serious comorbidities, and are usually associated with abscesses.
We present the case of a 63-year-old male patient with multiple comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, admitted due to acute heart failure. He presented with fever, coughing, polypnea and abdominal distension. Due to slight but persistent liver enzyme elevation an ultrasound was requested, revealing massive liver and abdominal wall abscesses. Pus culture was positive for Streptococcus anginosus. Although initial response was favourable, with abscess reduction after percutaneous drainage, there was a need for further drainage and multiple broad-spectrum antibiotic regimens.
We highlight this case due to the exuberant abscesses, the difficulty in treating them, as well as the uncommon aetiology caused by Streptococcus anginosus.
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Copyright (c) 2025 José Santos, Jorge Leitão, Arsénio Santos, Lèlita Santos
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
