Foreword

Liver abscess consists of the kinetics of pathological process including bacterial or amebic infection or invasion of the liver parenchyma typically characterized by necrosis, infiltration by the pathogens and inflammatory cells and exudates.

Pyogenic liver abscess

Liver abscesses are the most common type of visceral abscess. The annual incidence of liver abscess has been estimated at 2.3 cases per 100,000 populations and is higher among men than women (3.3 versus 1.3 per 100,000); substantially higher rates have been reported in Taiwan (17.6 cases per 100,000).

Pathophysiology: sources or routes of infections

1. Biliary ascending infection
2. Portal vein
3. Hepatic artery
4. Direct extension
5. Trauma
6. Unknown

Clinical Presentation:

• Symptoms: fatigue, anorexia, nauseousness/ vomiting, right upper abdominal pain
• Signs: mild fever, tender hepatomegaly, jaundice

Treatment

1. at least 6 to 8-week course of appropriate antibiotics
2. percutaneous drainage of liquefied abscess or multiple repeated percutaneous fine needle aspirations