Differentials
Ascending cholangitis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
No differentiating symptoms or signs.
INVESTIGATIONS
Ultrasonography shows bile duct dilation and/or stones.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography shows obstructing biliary stones or bile duct dilation.
Cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Clinical manifestations may be absent, or patients may have the insidious onset of abdominal pain, a sense of fullness, and anorexia.
Fever and chills are absent.
INVESTIGATIONS
Ultrasonography or abdominal CT can suggest the diagnosis. Typically appears as a complicated cystic lesion with an irregular thickened wall and occasionally septations within the cyst.
Histopathology confirms the diagnosis.
Inflammatory pseudotumours of the liver
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Rare benign liver lesion, typically occurring in young men with a history of recent infection.
Other associated conditions include inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms are similar to liver abscess, although jaundice is more likely to present.[20]
INVESTIGATIONS
Histopathology shows proliferating fibrous tissue infiltrated by inflammatory cells.
Hepatocellular cancer
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Fever is usually absent.
INVESTIGATIONS
Histopathology confirms the diagnosis.
Secondary liver metastases
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Fever is usually absent.
There may be signs and symptoms referable to the primary tumour.
INVESTIGATIONS
Histopathology confirms the diagnosis.
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