Pyogenic liver abscess explained

A pyogenic liver abscess is a type of liver abscess caused by bacteria.

Signs and symptoms

Acute abscess

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Discomfort in right upper quadrant of abdomen
• Anorexia
• Enlarged and tender liver
• Pleural effusion

Chronic abscess

• Fever
• Abdominal discomfort
• Enlarged liver

Cause

• Biliary disease (most common)

E.g.: stones, cholangiocarcinoma

• Colonic disease

E.g.: diverticulitis, appendicitis, Crohn's disease

• Cryptogenic disease
• Pancreatitis
• Infection of blood
• Intra-abdominal sepsis
• Infection of biliary system
• Traumatic introduction

E.g.: penetrating injury, iatrogenic (radiofrequency ablation)

Common bacterial causes

• Streptococcus milleri
• E. coli
• Streptococcus fecalis
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Proteus vulgaris
• Bacteroides
• Opportunistic pathogens (Staphylococcus)

Diagnosis

To differentiate pyogenic liver abscess from amoebic liver abscess, several features such as subjects with age more than 50 years with lungs involvement, multiple liver abscesses, with amoebic serologic titres less than 1:256 can help to pin down the diagnosis of pyogenic liver abscess.^[1]

• Blood CP (no leucocytosis)
• Haemoglobin estimation (anaemia)
• Serum albumin levels (falls rapidly)
• USG and CT scanning
• Guided aspiration to confirm the diagnosis

Treatment

1. Antibiotics
   • Penicillins
   • Aminoglycosides
   • Metronidazole
   • Cephalosporins
2. Percutaneous drainage under USG or CT control
3. Laparotomy in intra-abdominal disease

Notes and References

1. Lodhi S, Sarwari AR, Muzammil M, Salam A, Smego RA . Features distinguishing amoebic from pyogenic liver abscess: a review of 577 adult cases . Tropical Medicine & International Health . 9 . 6 . 718–23 . June 2004 . 15189463 . 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01246.x . 12288711 . free .