Liver Abscess Following Transarterial Chemoembolization

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) alone or in combination with thermoablation is commonly used in treating primary and secondary liver malignancies.[1] [2] It has proven to be safe and effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), neuroendocrine tumors, ocular melanoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and sarcoma. Known complications from hepatic embolization include the self-limiting postembolization syndrome (i.e., pain, nausea, vomiting, fever), liver infarction, liver failure, liver abscess, biloma formation, gastrointestinal bleeding, tumor rupture, septicemia, and pulmonary embolism. Approximately 5% of patients will have serious adverse events after chemoembolization, with the most common being liver abscess or liver infarction.[1] This case reviews the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of liver abscess following chemoembolization as well as prophylactic measures to prevent its occurrence.

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