J Gastric Cancer.  2013 Jun;13(2):126-128.

A Case of Sudden Onset Septicemia in Recurred Gastric Cancer Following S1 Plus Docetaxel Treatment

• Ishigami S
• Arigami T
• Uenosono Y
• Uchikado Y
• Kita Y
• Sasaki K
• Okumura H
• Kurahara H
• Kijima Y
• Nakajo A
• Maemura K
• Natsugoe S

Abstract

Pyogenic liver abscess in patients with malignant disease is a fatal state and is easily diagnosed. We presented a rare case of sudden fatal septicemia following anticancer treatment for recurred gastric cancer due to multiple liver abscesses which could not be diagnosed. A 72-year-old male with recurred gastric cancer received anticancer agents. He had a history of distal gastrectomy with right hepatic lobectomy for hepatic metastasis. He received anticancer treatment in the outpatient's service center periodically, and his performance status was preserved with nothing in particular. After administrating docetaxel, he suddenly developed septicemia and multiple organ failure and died 5 days after strong medical supports. Pathological autopsy revealed that multiple minute abscesses of the liver which could not be detected macroscopically were the causes of fatal septicemia. The etiology, therapies and prognosis of rare entity are being discussed.

Keyword

Liver abscess, pyogenic; Sepsis; Stomach neoplasms; Anticancer drug; Immunodeficiency; Hepatectomy

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Antineoplastic Agents
Autopsy
Gastrectomy
Hepatectomy
Humans
Liver
Liver Abscess
Liver Abscess, Pyogenic
Male
Multiple Organ Failure
Neoplasm Metastasis
Prognosis
Sepsis
Stomach Neoplasms
Taxoids
Antineoplastic Agents
Taxoids

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Resected specimen of the stomach and liver. Primary type 3 gastric cancer was found in the lesser curvature of the lower part of the stomach. Metastases to the liver was also resected curatively.

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  Fig. 2 Pyogenic micro-liver abscesses (H&E stain, ×100). Micro-liver abscesses were found in the entire liver, abscesses were consisted with bacteria and fungi.

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  Fig. 3 Pyogenic micro-liver abscesses (H&E stain, ×200). Abscesses were consisted with bacteria and fungi.

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