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Pyogenic liver abscess Causes and Risks:
The causes of a liver abscess are multiple. It can develop from an abdominal infection such as appendicitis , diverticulitis , or a perforated bowel; an infection in the blood; an infection from the biliary (liver secretion) tract; or trauma when a bruised liver becomes infected. The most common organisms causing liver abscess are Escherichia
coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Enterobacter aerogenes. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people.
Prevention:
Prompt treatment of abdominal and other infections may reduce the risk. Many cases are not preventable.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
The treatment consists of surgical or percutaneous (through the skin, with a needle) drainage of the abscess . This is accompanied by antibiotic therapy.
Prognosis:
The death rate is 20 to 40% in treated patients, and it is higher in those with multiple abscesses .
Complications:
Life-threatening sepsis can develop.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.
Also call if severe abdominal pain , confusion or decreased consciousness , persistent high fever , or other new symptoms develop during or after treatment.
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
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