Multilocular Hepatic Abscess Formation and Sepsis due to Yersinia enterocolitica in a Patient with Hereditary Hemochromatosis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Infection with Yersinia enterocolitica (YE) typically presents with mild gastroenteritis without systemic infection. However, systemic YE infection has been described in states of iron overload. We present the case of a patient with sepsis with hepatic abscesses due to YE infection. Workup revealed a past diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and hemochromatosis which had been untreated for the previous 5 years due to patient refusal. This case highlights risk factors for systemic infection with YE. A high degree of suspicion for YE infection is warranted in patients with iron overload, diabetes mellitus, or immunosuppression.

Keywords

• Hepatic abscess
• Yersinia enterocolitica
• Sepsis
• Hemochromatosis
• Iron overload