[Liver abscess triggered by a fishbone].

BACKGROUND

Liver abscess caused by foreign bodies constitutes a rare medical problem that few of us will encounter in a clinical setting.

CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case where a woman presented with sepsis and abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) of her abdomen revealed a large hepatic abscess containing a foreign body. Based on the size, shape and density of the object, a fishbone was suspected.

INTERPRETATION: We hypothesise that she swallowed a fishbone, which then perforated the gastrointestinal tract and lodged in the liver. After interdisciplinary discussion it was decided to proceed with conservative management, and the patient was treated successfully with antibiotics for a total of 31 days.