Pyogenic liver abscess

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

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
E.g.: stones, cholangiocarcinoma E.g.: diverticulitis, appendicitis, Crohn's disease E.g.: penetrating injury, iatrogenic (radiofrequency ablation)
 * Biliary disease (most common)
 * Colonic disease
 * Cryptogenic disease
 * Pancreatitis
 * Infection of blood
 * Intra-abdominal sepsis
 * Infection of biliary system
 * Traumatic introduction

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.
 * 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
 * 2) * Penicillins
 * 3) * Aminoglycosides
 * 4) * Metronidazole
 * 5) * Cephalosporins
 * 6) Percutaneous drainage under USG or CT control
 * 7) Laparotomy in intra-abdominal disease