Liver abscess

Liver abscess is a localised infection in the liver parenchyma that may be bacterial, fungal, or parasitic in origin.

Patients typically present with non-specific 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. Amoebic abscess is treated with a nitroimidazole, followed by a luminal agent.

Liver abscesses are purulent collections in the liver parenchyma that result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection. Infection can spread to the liver through the biliary tree, hepatic vein, or portal vein, by extension of an adjacent infection, or as a result of trauma.[1]Lam JC, Stokes W. Management of pyogenic liver abscesses: contemporary strategies and challenges. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2023 Sep 1;57(8):774-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37249909?tool=bestpractice.com ​ One or multiple abscesses can be present. Fungal liver abscess can occur in immunocompromised hosts. Amoebic liver abscess is a complication of amoebiasis.