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Liver Abscess
Pus-Filled Cavity within the Liver

A liver abscess is composed of localized necrotic and inflammatory tissue within the liver. It is usually present following an infection with parasitic, fungal or bacterial microorganisms.

Images

WIKIDATA, CC BY-SA 3.0
WIKIDATA, CC BY-SA 4.0

Presentation

Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis) is nowadays the most common underlying cause of liver abscess, especially among the elderly. Prior to advances in management and treatment, complicated appendicitis and infections within the abdomen were the most common causative conditions. When evaluating patients with liver abscesses, it is important to assess any past occurrence of predisposing diseases and conditions.

Specific signs and symptoms for liver abscess range widely and include fever, chills, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, jaundice, cough or hiccups because of involvement of the diaphragm, right upper quadrant tenderness and pain with possible extension in the left upper quadrant or the right shoulder and an enlarged, palpable liver [9]. Abdominal pain may not be present in all cases.

Liver abscesses that occur beneath the diaphragm can reach the thorax and result in the formation of a lung abscess or empyema. Such a process, nonetheless, takes place very rarely. Other complications that are associated with liver abscesses include peritonitis or even frank sepsis.

Entire Body System

  • Fever

    Fever and malaise occasionally mask life-threatening infections in diabetic patients, necessitating careful examination. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    These include fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea with fever being the most common symptom present in up to 90% of cases of pyogenic abscesses. [clinicaladvisor.com]

  • Chills

    An 88-year-old female presented with generalized weakness, fever and chills. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a 5cm-sized hypodense lesion with internal septa in the left lateral section of the liver. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    The patient was complained of abdominal pain, nauseas and vomiting for the last two days, without any fever or chills. [sages.org]

  • Weight Loss

    A 49-year-old Danish man was admitted because of one-month malaise, fever, cough and unintentional weight loss. On admission there was elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, as well as affected liver function tests. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    She had a history of a chronic illness of several months duration with non-quantified weight loss and abdominal pain in the upper right half, which was associated to persistent vomiting. [scielo.br]

    weight loss Weakness Yellow skin ( jaundice ) Right shoulder pain (referred pain) Treatment usually consists of placing a tube through the skin into the liver to drain the abscess. [nlm.nih.gov]

    Symptoms When there are several abscesses in the liver, the symptoms are acute with acute right upper abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, weight loss, a fever and weakness. [nethealthbook.com]

  • Malaise

    Fever and malaise occasionally mask life-threatening infections in diabetic patients, necessitating careful examination. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    Patients, typically middle-aged /elderly males, present with non-specific symptoms, such as fever, malaise, and weight loss. Right upper quadrant pain and tender hepatomegaly are specific features of a liver abscess but are often absent. [amboss.com]

    Nausea Malaise Cough and/or hiccups due to irritation of the diaphragm Jaundice sometimes Some patients may present with no abdominal pain. [healthhype.com]

    On the other hand, there might be only a fever, malaise, weight loss and nausea. Then gradually the other symptoms develop as more and more pus is produced in the abscess cavity. [nethealthbook.com]

  • Fatigue

    Patients usually present with pain on the right upper side of the abdomen, fatigue, fever and sometimes jaundice. Diagnosis is established after the performance of several blood and imaging tests to visualize the abdomen. [symptoma.com]

    We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition. Last updated: May 13, 2019 [patientslikeme.com]

    Still have mild jaundice Tremors in my hands legs and feet Weakness & fatigue Temperatures so high (particularly at night) i cant sleep. Ankle edema that won't budge. [healthunlocked.com]

    These include fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea with fever being the most common symptom present in up to 90% of cases of pyogenic abscesses. [clinicaladvisor.com]

    The patient has been well until two weeks earlier, when he began to have epigastralgia and back pain, followed by fever, diarrhea and general fatigue. [petit.lib.yamaguchi-u.ac.jp]

Respiratoric

  • Pleural Effusion

    Complications related to the liver abscess were hepatorrhexis and pleural effusion (n = 1), pleural effusion (n = 1), and obstructive jaundice (n = 1), all of which were resolved after conservative treatments. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    Pleural Effusion secondary to amoebic liver abscess 14. An amoebic liver abscess causing a bulge in the dome of the diaphragm 15. Amoebic liver abscess burst into the right pleural cavity 16. 17. 18. I. [slideshare.net]

    Chest x-ray : Elevated right hemidiaphragm; right lower lobar atelectasis with/without right pleural effusion Percutaneous aspiration and culture of the aspirate References: [6] [1] [2] [14] [13] Differential diagnoses Pyogenic liver abscesses need to [amboss.com]

    Presence of small right pleural effusion could be a clue to underlying abscess. Most often sonography is diagnostic and no other imaging technique is needed. [ultrasoundtraining.com]

Gastrointestinal

  • Abdominal Pain

    Abstract Liver abscess is a cause of febrile abdominal pain and usually the origin of a liver abscess is ascending cholangitis, hemathological diffusion, via the portal vein or the hepatic artery, or superinfection of necrotic tissue. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    A 44-year-old man with diabetes mellitus presented to our hospital after 4 days of fever and abdominal pain. [nejm.org]

    The abdominal pain was dull in nature and 6/10 in intensity, non-radiating. His past medical history was significant for HTN, diabetes mellitus and chronic diarrhoea secondary to chronic pancreatitis. [bjmp.org]

  • Nausea

    The patient was complained of abdominal pain, nauseas and vomiting for the last two days, without any fever or chills. [sages.org]

    Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Definition (MSH) Solitary or multiple collections of PUS within the liver as a result of infection by bacteria, protozoa, or other agents. [fpnotebook.com]

    Symptoms of liver abscess may include: Chest pain (lower right) Pain in the right upper abdomen (more common) or throughout the abdomen (less common) Clay-colored stools Dark urine Fever, chills, nightsweats Loss of appetite Nausea, vomiting Unintentional [nlm.nih.gov]

    Symptoms When there are several abscesses in the liver, the symptoms are acute with acute right upper abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, weight loss, a fever and weakness. [nethealthbook.com]

    It can also cause symptoms such as fever, pain, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Treatment is done to cure the abscess, stop symptoms, and prevent death. [saintlukeshealthsystem.org]

  • Loss of Appetite

    A 63-year-old Sinhalese man with diabetes mellitus and a poor glycemic control presented with fever, loose stools, and loss of appetite of 1 week's duration. An examination was unremarkable apart from a mild non-tender hepatomegaly. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    Symptoms of liver abscess may include: Chest pain (lower right) Pain in the right upper abdomen (more common) or throughout the abdomen (less common) Clay-colored stools Dark urine Fever, chills, nightsweats Loss of appetite Nausea, vomiting Unintentional [nlm.nih.gov]

    It can also cause symptoms such as fever, pain, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Treatment is done to cure the abscess, stop symptoms, and prevent death. [saintlukeshealthsystem.org]

    Symptoms Symptoms of liver abscess may include: Chest pain (lower right) Pain in the right upper abdomen (more common) or throughout the abdomen (less common) Clay-colored stools Dark urine Fever, chills, nightsweats Loss of appetite Nausea, vomiting [ufhealth.org]

  • Hiccup

    Results: A 84 year-old man with a refractory anemia with excess of blasts (13% in marrow) was admitted for high fever, hiccups and moderate pain at the right upper abdominal quadrant. [aspergillus.org.uk]

    Nausea Malaise Cough and/or hiccups due to irritation of the diaphragm Jaundice sometimes Some patients may present with no abdominal pain. [healthhype.com]

    Specific signs and symptoms for liver abscess range widely and include fever, chills, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, jaundice, cough or hiccups because of involvement of the diaphragm, right upper quadrant tenderness and pain with possible extension [symptoma.com]

    Less frequently reported symptoms include cough or hiccups due to diaphragmatic irritation, with referred pain to the right shoulder. [bmcresnotes.biomedcentral.com]

  • Right Upper Quadrant Tenderness

    Initial evaluation showed a patient without acute stress, with normal vital signs and right upper quadrant tenderness with positive Murphy’s sign. Ultrasound (US) shows dilated CBD to 11 mm, cholelithiasis and gallbladder wall thickness. [sages.org]

    […] in the left upper quadrant or the right shoulder and an enlarged, palpable liver. [symptoma.com]

Cardiovascular

  • Tachycardia

    A 63-year-old woman presented with fever, tachycardia and tachypnoea, with right sided chest and hypochondrial pain. Chest radiograph showed right basal consolidation and she was treated for community acquired pneumonia with intravenous antibiotics. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    The initial evaluation revealed tachycardia (heart rate, 137 beats per minute), hypotension (blood pressure, 81/44 mm Hg), and abdominal discomfort in the right upper quadrant. There was no rebound tenderness. [nejm.org]

    Upon admittance she had febrile peaks of up to 38 o C, without tachycardia or tachypnea. The cardiopulmonary examination was normal, no visceral enlargement was found but abdominal tenderness was present on examination of the epigastrium. [scielo.br]

Liver, Gall & Pancreas

  • Jaundice

    We report a case of a previously healthy female patient who initially presented with fever, jaundice and right upper quadrant pain three days after dilatation and stenting of a stricture of the common bile duct (CBD). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    They may include: Fever, chills, sweats General discomfort or sick feeling Pain in the upper right part of the belly Weight loss Nausea, vomiting, or both Diarrhea, constipation, or both Cough Chest pain or shoulder pain Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice [fairview.org]

    Patients usually present with pain on the right upper side of the abdomen, fatigue, fever and sometimes jaundice. Diagnosis is established after the performance of several blood and imaging tests to visualize the abdomen. [symptoma.com]

    Chest pain (lower right) Pain in the right upper abdomen (more common) or throughout the abdomen (less common) Clay-colored stools Dark urine Fever, chills, nightsweats Loss of appetite Nausea, vomiting Unintentional weight loss Weakness Yellow skin ( jaundice [nlm.nih.gov]

  • Hepatomegaly

    An examination was unremarkable apart from a mild non-tender hepatomegaly. Investigations indicated a septic process with neutrophil leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and raised inflammatory markers with acute kidney injury. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    Common clinical findings were fever, abdominal pain, and hepatomegaly. Radionuclide scan was useful in diagnosis of lesions larger than 2 cm. Small or microscopic lesions were diagnosed at autopsy. [pediatrics.aappublications.org]

    Right upper quadrant pain and tender hepatomegaly are specific features of a liver abscess but are often absent. [amboss.com]

  • Liver Mass

    Moreover, we should be alert for the impression of KLA when facing a diabetic patient with liver mass lesion and acute renal failure. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    The patient was re admitted and a new US (Fig. 1) showed a 5 x 5x 4 cm complex liver mass compatible with a liver abscess and a dilated CBD to 12 mm. [sages.org]

    […] biliary cystadenoma hepatic peliosis hydatid cyst : large cystic liver mass with peripheral daughter cysts hepatic hemangioma hepatic adenoma hepatic infarct : peripheral, segmental distribution, wedge-shaped [radiopaedia.org]

    An abdominal CT scan ( Fig. 1 ) revealed an increase in the size of the left lobe of the liver with a heterogeneous alteration of its echogenicity, but no clear image of mass or liquid collection could be defined. [scielo.br]

    A CT scan of the abdomen then confirmed the presence of a 5 x 4.4 x 3.2–cm multiloculated mass in the anterior right lobe of the liver ( Figure 2 ). [bcmj.org]

  • Liver Tenderness

    Physical examination: Fever (low-grade or high spiking) Hepatomegaly and liver tenderness, which is accentuated by movement or percussion. Splenomegaly is unusual, except with a chronic abscess. [enotes.tripod.com]

Skin

  • Night Sweats

    While the disease often mimics cancer with symptoms such as fevers, night sweats 15 and anorexia, 16 CT and ultrasound provide the diagnosis with a high sensitivity and specificity. 17–20 A chest radiograph is useful if there are any chest symptoms or [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Musculoskeletal

  • Right Shoulder Pain

    […] weight loss Weakness Yellow skin ( jaundice ) Right shoulder pain (referred pain) Treatment usually consists of placing a tube through the skin into the liver to drain the abscess. [nlm.nih.gov]

Workup

Workup in patients with a liver abscess is broad and initially includes a complete blood count (CBC), blood cultures, PT and aPTT, and an assessment of the serum levels of aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and albumin.

Patients usually exhibit anemia and high neutrophil counts, in addition to abnormal liver function tests such as alkaline phosphatase. These findings, nonetheless, are non-specific and are not sufficient for diagnosis. Because the disease commonly requires intervention for diagnostic and treatment purposes, evaluating PT and aPTT is important to rule out any coagulopathy or a tendency for excessive bleeding. C-reactive protein levels should also be assessed to detect any inflammatory process and may occasionally help to monitor treatment response [10]. The organism responsible for the formation of the abscess can be identified in up to 50% of patients after culturing blood samples.

On the other hand, amebiasis is diagnosed with serologic evaluation of E. hystolitica infection. The Entamoeba histolytica enzyme immunoassay (EIA) can only be used if there is concomitant diarrhea, and may detect the bacterial antigen in a stool sample.

Imaging is of critical importance for diagnosis. The modalities of choice are abdominal CT scanning with contrast enhancement or an abdominal ultrasound [11]. Nonetheless, because of higher sensitivity and its capacity to clearly visualize organs other than the liver, CT scanning is usually preferred. Ultrasound still possesses distinctive advantages that may be especially beneficial in particular cases. It has generally lower costs, is widely available and does not necessitate the administration of a contrast agent. Some cases require the use of both modalities, particularly when high suspicion is maintained in the context of negative ultrasound findings. Both imaging tests will show a liver abscess as a fluid collection with associated edema, typically on the right side.

After imaging is performed, aspiration of the abscess is usually necessary. It allows for the establishment of a definitive diagnosis and can help in choosing an appropriate antibiotic. Fluid collected from the aspiration can subsequently be sent for Gram staining and culturing in aerobic and anaerobic environments. It is important to mention that fluid collected via a drain cannot be used to uncover the causative organism.

The typical consistency of the aspirate is that of an "anchovy paste" or a "chocolate sauce". It is a thick fluid with a red to brownish color [12]. The polymerase chain reaction test or detection of specific antigens can conclusively establish the diagnosis as well as the organism responsible for the development of the disease.

Aspiration is not recommended in all cases. It should be avoided whenever a coagulopathy is suspected in light of abnormal PT and aPTT results. In addition, it should not be performed in cases of hydatid cysts, as cyst puncture is associated with a potential risk of anaphylaxis and death. Nonetheless, when amebic abscess is still suspected or the aspiration is therapeutic, patients with hydatid cysts may undergo the procedure.

Finally, any pulmonary symptoms or findings on the physical exam should prompt the performance of a chest x-ray to rule out pleural effusions, abscesses or empyema.

Serum

  • Neutrophilia

    Laboratory data revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and pain located in the mentioned locations at physical examination. Ultrasonography showed a liver abscess involving segments 2 and 3. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    Laboratory exams may reveal alteration of the liver function tests, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, and increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. [scielo.br]

  • Leukocytes Increased

    The size of abscess was correlated with leukocytes increase, albumin decrease, and time duration for body temperature normalization (all p p = 0.022). [nature.com]

Microbiology

  • Candida

    Aspiration of the lesion cultured Candida albicans She was treated with intravenous antifungals, broad-spectrum antibiotics and further aspiration of abscess, which contributed towards her successful recovery. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    Fungal abscess, most often due to Candida species, accounts for less than 10% of cases. [en.wikipedia.org]

    Furthermore, an extended exposure to antibiotics disrupts the normal flora in the gastrointestinal system and may lead to fungal colonization with Candida albicans. [symptoma.com]

    Fungal abscesses primarily are due to Candida albicans and occur in individuals with prolonged exposure to antimicrobials, hematologic malignancies, solid-organ transplants, and congenital and acquired immunodeficiency. [emedicine.com]

Colonoscopy

  • Colitis

    Clinicians in Australia need to consider amoebiasis in the differential diagnosis in travellers returning with colitis, abdominal pain and fever. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    Direct infiltration from a neighboring organ/site – intra-abdominal infections like appendicitis, diverticulitis or infectious colitis. Ascending infection up the bile duct (ascending cholangitis). Penetrating injury through the abdominal wall. [healthhype.com]

    It usually inhabits the colon, where it can cause an asymptomatic infection or it can become invasive and cause amebic colitis. [scielo.isciii.es]

Pleura

  • Pleural Effusion

    Complications related to the liver abscess were hepatorrhexis and pleural effusion (n = 1), pleural effusion (n = 1), and obstructive jaundice (n = 1), all of which were resolved after conservative treatments. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

    Pleural Effusion secondary to amoebic liver abscess 14. An amoebic liver abscess causing a bulge in the dome of the diaphragm 15. Amoebic liver abscess burst into the right pleural cavity 16. 17. 18. I. [slideshare.net]

    Chest x-ray : Elevated right hemidiaphragm; right lower lobar atelectasis with/without right pleural effusion Percutaneous aspiration and culture of the aspirate References: [6] [1] [2] [14] [13] Differential diagnoses Pyogenic liver abscesses need to [amboss.com]

    Presence of small right pleural effusion could be a clue to underlying abscess. Most often sonography is diagnostic and no other imaging technique is needed. [ultrasoundtraining.com]

Treatment

The cornerstone of treatment for hepatic abscesses is surgical or percutaneous drainage. Treatment with antibiotics is generally complementary but is very rarely sufficient on its own [13]. Severe and serious complications can result from liver abscesses that are not treated, such as sepsis, empyema or peritonitis. They are generally caused by a rupture of the abscess into the adjacent spaces in the peritoneum, thorax and retroperitoneum.

Drainage of a liver abscess can be performed surgically or percutaneously. Surgical treatment is nowadays recommended only under very specific conditions that include the presence of signs of peritonitis or abdominal pathology that necessitate surgical intervention such as diverticular disease, recurrent failure of drainage procedures and the presence of a complicated abscess with multiloculation, thick pus and a thick wall. Surgery is completely contraindicated in cases of multiple organ failure associated with shock.

Open surgery can be approached along two manners, transperitoneally or transpleurally. In the transperitoneal approach, an exploration of the abdomen is possible, allowing the clear visualization of nearby organs and structures and the detection of other abscesses and possible underlying causes of the abscess. The transpleural approach, on the other hand, allows for easier access into the abscess but does not make it possible to identify other lesions or the presence of an underlying abdominal disease process.

Prognosis

Prognosis varies and depends on various factors. These include the overall size of the liver abscess, the organism responsible for the infection and the comorbidities that the patient suffers from [8].

Etiology

Liver abscesses are generally associated with infections by multiple microbes. The two most common organisms are Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The latter seems to be increasingly involved in the condition and is particularly prominent in cases of endophthalmitis [3]. On the other hand, enterobacteriaceae are more common when the infection targets the biliary system.

Anaerobic bacteria play a very important role in the etiologic process leading to the disease. They came to prominence in 1974 when it was discovered that they are involved in 45% of all cases of pyogenic liver abscesses. Improvements in culturing methodologies have likely contributed to an increase in the frequency of studies reporting their presence. The most common anaerobic bacteria that are associated with liver abscesses include the Fusobacterium and Bacteroides species, in addition to microaerophilic and anaerobic streptococci. The most frequent source of infection is the colon.

Abscesses that involve Staphylococcus aureus result from dissemination through the blood stream from distant locations. This may be a common occurrence in endocarditis. On the other hand, S. milleri is associated in liver abscesses that develop in patients suffering from Crohn disease and can be present in monomicrobial or polymicrobial infections.

E. histolytica is the most common cause of amebic liver abscess. Normally, E. histolytica infects the bowel but can reach the liver through extraintestinal spread. Individuals at risk for fungal abscesses with Candida albicans are usually immunodeficient due malignancies, organ transplantation or other acquired or genetic causes. Furthermore, an extended exposure to antibiotics disrupts the normal flora in the gastrointestinal system and may lead to fungal colonization with Candida albicans. Organisms that have been also associated with liver abscesses are Eikenella corrodens, Brucella melitensis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella typhi and the Actinomyces species.

Finally, hepatocellular carcinoma may increase the risk of pyogenic liver abscess formation. Physicians should suspect a malignant cause of pyogenic liver abscesses in regions with high prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) and in patients who are at risk for HC [4].

Epidemiology

The incidence of liver abscess is 3.6 cases for every 100,000 individuals in the United States and Britain [5]. This makes liver abscess a rare disease. Incidence is more elevated in many regions of Asia. Studies report that it may reach to up 15 cases for every 100,000 a year in Taiwan.

Amebic abscesses, on the other hand, occur most commonly in Asia, Africa, South and Central America. Amebiasis is rare in the developed world and is usually found among immigrants or travelers that were previously present in countries with high prevalence.

The incidence of liver abscess has been increasing, although associated fatalities are stable or even decreasing. The disease seems to increase with age and has a predilection for men over women [6]. Nonetheless, it is important to point out that increases in incidence can be attributed to improvements in diagnostic strategies as well.

Pathophysiology

The liver is very susceptible to infection, given its extensive blood supply through the portal and systemic circulation. The most common cause of liver abscess is nowadays biliary tract disease, although previously, appendicitis was the main culprit [7]. When the biliary tract is involved, many abscesses tend to be present, except for cases when the infection is related to surgical intervention or the insertion of biliary stents. Usually, the right lobe of the liver is much more affected than the left lobe. It is thought that the different systems of blood circulations underlie the higher predilection for the right lobe. In addition, the right lobe contains a more extensive biliary network and generally more hepatic tissue.

Prevention

The development of liver abscesses can be prevented by prompt diagnosis and treatment of infections that can occur within the abdomen. Primary preventive measures may include treatment with antibiotics or ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiography).

Summary

A liver abscess implies the presence of localized necrotic tissue within the liver, combined with inflammatory processes. It is usually caused by infection with a number of microorganisms, that can be bacteria, parasites or fungi [1]. Most commonly, the infection is polymicrobial, although sometimes a single microorganism can be involved. The most frequently involved agents are Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Staphylococcus aureus may be detected in cases of widespread hematogenous spread of bacteria, such as in endocarditis. The incidence of liver abscess remains low in the developed world but is much more elevated in regions of Asia, Africa, South and Central America [2]. A liver abscess can also be caused by amebiasis, a parasitic disease resulting from infection with Entameba histolytica. A hepatic abscess is nowadays most commonly caused by complications of infections of the biliary tree while, previously, appendicitis used to be the most prominent underlying factor. Patients can present with a range of symptoms that include right upper quadrant pain and tenderness, nausea, fatigue, fever and jaundice. Treatment consists of surgical or percutaneous drainage in combination with the administration of antibiotics. Prognosis is variable and depends on the underlying cause.

Patient Information

A liver abscess occurs when there is a localized infection in the liver that manifests with a collection of dead tissue and inflammatory cells. Infection with several microorganisms can lead to the development of liver abscesses, such as bacteria, fungi or parasites. Nowadays, the condition most commonly develops due to complications of an infection of the bile draining tubes (biliary tree). Appendicitis used to be the most common cause that lead to the development of liver abscesses. Patients usually present with pain on the right upper side of the abdomen, fatigue, fever and sometimes jaundice. Diagnosis is established after the performance of several blood and imaging tests to visualize the abdomen. A liver abscess is treated with antibiotics in combination with the performance of procedures that directly drain the abscess and eliminate it. Outcomes vary greatly depending on the underlying cause and the microorganism involved.

References

  1. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N et-al. Robbins and Cotran pathologic basis of disease. W B Saunders Co. 2005; ISBN:0721601871.
  2. Krige, Beckingham. ABC of diseases of liver, pancreas, and biliary system: Liver abscesses and hydatid disease BMJ. 322 (7285): 537.
  3. Brisse S, Fevre C, Passet V, et al. Virulent clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae: identification and evolutionary scenario based on genomic and phenotypic characterization. PLoS One. 2009; 4(3):e4982.
  4. Lin YT, Liu CJ, Chen TJ, et al. Pyogenic liver abscess as the initial manifestation of underlying hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Med. 2011 Dec; 124(12):1158-64.
  5. Mohsen AH, Green ST, Read RC, et al. Liver abscess in adults: ten years experience in a UK centre. QJM. 2002; 95:797-802.
  6. Kaplan GG, Gregson DB, Laupland KB. Population-based study of the epidemiology of and the risk factors for pyogenic liver abscess. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2004; 2:1032-1038.
  7. Rockey DC. Hepatobiliary infections. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2001; 17:257-261.
  8. Pearce NW, Knight R, Irving H et-al. Non-operative management of pyogenic liver abscess. HPB (Oxford). 2003; 5 (2): 91-5.
  9. Singh V, Bhalla A, Sharma N, et al; Pathophysiology of jaundice in amoebic liver abscess. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2008 Apr; 78(4):556-9.
  10. Law ST, Li KK. Role of C-reactive protein in response-guided therapy of pyogenic liver abscess. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014; 26:179-186.
  11. Skucas J. Advanced imaging of the abdomen. Springer Verlag. 2006; ISBN:1852339926.
  12. Kim AY, Chung RT. Bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections of the liver, including liver abscess. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's gastrointestinal and liver disease: pathophysiology diagnosis management. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. 2010; 1351-1369.
  13. Johannsen EC, Sifri CD, Madoff LC. Pyogenic liver abscesses. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2000; 14:547-563.
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