The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
Online ISSN : 1349-3329
Print ISSN : 0040-8727
ISSN-L : 0040-8727
Case Report
A Case of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated with Emphysematous Cholecystitis and a Liver Abscess
Kazunori YoshidaMasahiro ArakawaShyuichi IshidaYasuhiko Sasaki
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1998 Volume 185 Issue 2 Pages 147-155

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Abstract

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. Most cases of HUS are characterized by a prodromal phase of diarrhea and melena, and affect mainly children. Here we report a unique case of adult-onset HUS that was associated with emphysematous cholecystitis and a liver abscess. The patient did not suffer from diarrhea or melena on admission, but abdominal CT scans revealed emphysematous cholecystitis and a liver abscess. Cholecystectomy was performed and the liver abscess was drained. Cultures of the bile and liver abscess contents were negative, but the serum samples had antibodies against Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157. The patient was anuric for 14 days, and underwent hemodialysis that was repeated 15 times and plasma exchanges 6 times. She recovered from acute renal failure but with inadequate urinary concentrating ability as a sequela. Histopathological examination of renal biopsy specimens on the 83rd hospital day revealed almost normal glomeruli and patchy atrophy of tubules with an increase of interstitium. This is a very rare case of HUS associated with emphysematous cholecystitis and a liver abscess successfully treated with aggressive supportive care. It is possible that an infection with verotoxin-producing E. coli O157 caused the disease.

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© 1998 Tohoku University Medical Press
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