Liver abscess (collection of pus)

Description Infections from bac...

Description

Infections from bacteria or amoeba may form a collection of infected fluid in the liver (abscess). The body tries to wall off this infected material causing the abscess to form. The bacterial infections lead to rapid generalized symptoms while symptoms related to an amebic abscess may develop more slowly. Liver abscesses can result in life threatening infections and death, especially if not detected and treated.

Symptoms

Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, pain in right upper abdomen, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, weakness, yellow skin (jaundice), chalk-colored stool, dark urine.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood culture and/or culture of the abscess fluid may be recommended to identify the infectious organism. A CT scan, MR scan and/or ultrasound may be performed to identify the abscess. An aspiration (drainage through a needle) of the abscess fluid may be recommended.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound

Other Specific Tests: Aspiration of abscess, Blood culture, Abscess fluid culture

Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Treatment

The treatment depends on the size and location of the abscess. Most abscesses need to be drained and this will be performed through the skin (percutaneously) or surgically. Antibiotics will also be given. Rarely antibiotics alone will clear the infection. Other treatments may include acetaminophen for fever and pain medications.