Health Encyclopedia

Pyogenic liver abscess

Definition

Pyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled area within the liver.

Alternative Names

Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscess

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are many potential causes of liver abscesses. They can be caused by an abdominal infection such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a perforated bowel. Other causes may be an infection in the blood, an infection of the biliary (liver secretion) tract, or trauma that damages the liver.

The most common bacteria that cause liver abscesses are Escherichia coli, klebsiella, enterococcus, staph and strep, and bacteroides.

Symptoms

Fever, chills
Nausea, vomiting
Pain in right upper abdomen
Loss of appetite
Unintentional weight loss
Weakness
Yellow skin (jaundice)
Chalk-colored stool
Dark urine

Signs and tests

Blood culture shows bacteria - this occurs in about half of the patients with pyogenic liver abscess
Liver enzymes (liver function tests) and bilirubin may be high
High white blood cell count, indicating infection
Abdominal CT scan
Abdominal ultrasound
Liver biopsy

Treatment

The treatment usually consists of surgical or percutaneous (through the skin, with a needle) drainage of the abscess. This is accompanied by prolonged antibiotic therapy. Sometimes antibiotics alone can cure the infection.

Expectations (prognosis)

The death rate is 10-30% in treated patients, and it is higher in those with multiple abscesses.

Complications

Life-threatening sepsis can develop.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if any symptoms of this disorder develop.

Also call if severe abdominal pain, confusion or decreased consciousness, persistent high fever, or other new symptoms develop during or after treatment.

Prevention

Prompt treatment of abdominal and other infections may reduce the risk of developing a liver abscess. Many cases are not preventable.

Review Date:7/28/2006
Reviewed By:Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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