Highlights & Basics
- Liver abscess is a localized infection in the liver parenchyma that may be bacterial, fungal, or parasitic in origin.
- Patients typically present with nonspecific constitutional symptoms, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and tenderness.
- The most common underlying condition in people with pyogenic liver abscess is biliary tract disease.
- Treatment of pyogenic abscess focuses on both timely administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and drainage of the abscess. People with fungal abscess require antifungal therapy. Amebic abscess is treated with a nitroimidazole, followed by a luminal agent.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
CT scan showing a liver abscess (7 cm x 5 cm) in a 46-year-old man who presented with fever, fatigue, and cough
CT scan (coronal view) showing liver abscess in a 46-year-old man who presented with fever, fatigue, and cough
Gross pathology of amebic abscess of liver; tube of "chocolate" pus from abscess
A noncontrast abdominal CT scan showing a huge gas-containing liver abscess (arrow)
Citations
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