Pyogenic liver abscess

Causes
There are many potential causes of liver abscesses, including:

• Abdominal infection such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a perforated bowel
• Infection in the blood
• Infection of the bile draining tubes
• Recent endoscopy of the bile draining tubes
• Trauma that damages the liver

The most common bacteria that cause liver abscesses are:

• Bacteroides
• Enterococcus
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus

In most cases, more than one type of bacteria is found.

Exams and Tests
Tests may include:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Bilirubin blood test
• Blood culture for bacteria
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Liver biopsy
• Liver function tests

Treatment
Treatment usually consists of placing a tube through the skin to drain the abscess. Less often, surgery is required. You will also receive antibiotics for about 4 - 6 weeks. Sometimes, antibiotics alone can cure the infection.

Outlook (Prognosis)
This condition can be life threatening some patients. The risk for death is higher in people who have many liver abscesses.

Possible Complications
Life-threatening sepsis can develop.

When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have:

• Any symptoms of this disorder
• Severe abdominal pain
• Confusion or decreased consciousness
• Persistent high fever
• Other new symptoms 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.

Alternative Names
Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscess

References
Reddy KR. Bacterial, parasitic, fungal and granulomatous liver diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 360.

Sifri CD, Madoff LC. Infections of the liver and biliary system. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone;2009:chap 72.

 

Update Date: 8/15/2012
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.

Read More

• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis
• Sepsis