Korean J Leg Med.  2025 Aug;49(3):104-106. 10.7580/kjlm.2025.49.3.104.

An Autopsy Case of Invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver Abscess Syndrome Presenting with Pyogenic Liver Abscess and Meningoencephalitis

• Jang SJ
• Don Y

• KMID: 2571298
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2025.49.3.104

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae, traditionally a predominant pathogen causing pyogenic liver abscesses in Asia, has become a global infectious agent of various invasive diseases. A particularly severe manifestation, called invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess syndrome (IKLAS), is characterized by primary liver abscesses complicated by metastatic infections, such as sepsis, central nervous system involvement including brain abscess or meningitis, and endophthalmitis, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Here, we present an autopsy case of a 60-year-old man with histopathologically confirmed pyogenic liver abscess and meningoencephalitis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from the liver abscess culture, substantiating the diagnosis. Detailed histopathological features are described to enhance understanding of the pathology of IKLAS.

Keyword

Klebsiella pneumoniae; Liver abscess, pyogenic; Meningoencephalitis; Autopsy; Sepsis