Leukopenia-a rare complication secondary to invasive liver abscess syndrome in a patient with diabetes mellitus: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of invasive liver abscess syndrome (ILAS) by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae ) infection, which indicates severe infection and a poor prognosis. However, the presence of leukopenia is rare. There are rare reports on leukopenia and its clinical significance for ILAS, and there is currently no recognized treatment plan. Early and broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy may be an effective therapy for treating ILAS and improving its prognosis. CASE SUMMARY A 55-year-old male patient who developed fever, chills, and abdominal distension without an obvious cause presented to the hospital for treatment. Laboratory tests revealed thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and multiple organ dysfunction. Imaging examinations revealed an abscess in the right lobe of the liver and thrombophlebitis, and K. pneumoniae was detected in the blood cultures. Since the patient was diabetic and had multi-system involvement, he was diagnosed with ILAS accompanied by leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. After antibiotic treatment and systemic supportive therapy, the symptoms disappeared, and the patient’s condition almost completely resolved. CONCLUSION Leukopenia is a rare complication of ILAS, which serves as an indicator of adverse prognostic outcomes and the severity of infection.