1561. Recurrent Bilateral Culture Negative Abscesses Mimicking a Diabetic Foot Infection

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to present a novel case of recurrent bilateral culture negative pedal abscesses, mimicking a diabetic foot infection, as an extra-intestinal manifestation of previously undiagnosed ulcerative colitis. Culture negative abscesses may develop as a rare sequela of ulcerative colitis, with less than 40 cases documented within current literature. They often demonstrate a large neutrophilic predominance, negative cultures, and negative serology testing. The diagnosis was achieved utilizing a multi-specialty team approach with podiatry serving as the primary service coordinating the patient care. METHODS: Multiple incision and drainage procedures were performed with copious purulence expressed from the plantar medial pedal compartment. The patient was initiated on broad spectrum antibiotics post-operatively without a clinical response. Advanced microbiological and rheumatologic testing was performed. RESULTS: Serial aerobic, anaerobic, acid fast, and fungal cultures as well as 16s rDNA testing remained negative for infection throughout the admission. Rheumatologic work-up consisted of broad autoimmune serologic testing (Table 1). Greatly elevated levels of calprotectin were identified, resulting in a colonoscopy for confirmation of the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The patient was then placed on infliximab and has remained free of recurrent abscesses for the 15 months of follow up. Table 1: Workup Results [Image: see text] CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of a culture negative abscess is broad and a multi-specialty team approach must be considered. Criteria for the diagnosis has previously been proposed and includes: deep abscess with neutrophilic features, negative serologic testing, failure of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and rapid improvement on steroids or other DMARDs with subsequent radiologic evidence of abscess resolution. To our knowledge no bilateral cases have been documented within the foot. DISCLOSURES: All Authors: No reported disclosures