Klebsiella pneumoniae Invasive Syndrome

Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive syndrome (KPIS) is a rare clinical condition characterized by primary liver abscess associated with metastatic infection. Most case reports are from Southeast Asia, with only one case described in Portugal. The Authors present the case of a 44-year-old man with a history of fever, dry cough and cervicalgia. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple pulmonary and hepatic nodules, suggestive of metastatic malignancy. Both blood cultures and bronchoalveolar lavage were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae. Imaging studies were repeated during his hospital stay, showing a reduction in both number and volume of identified lesions, thus revealing their infectious nature. This case illustrates how much this entity can mimic other illnesses. LEARNING POINTS: Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive syndrome is emerging as a global disease. The imaging-led diagnosis of neoplasia was proved incorrect and could have been deleterious for the patient. The lack of diagnostic suspicion can lead to shorter antibiotic treatment regimens, therefore compromising the patient’s full recovery.