Hepatic abscess (collection of pus in the liver)

Description A collection of pus...

Description

A collection of pus in the liver. The most common causes of the infection include bacteria and amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica). One way bacteria enter the liver is spread of infection from a diseased gallbladder. In addition, organisms may travel through the blood stream and settle in the liver developing into an abscess.

Symptoms

Pain in the right upper abdomen, chest pain with a deep breath, fever, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: blood tests to measure the extent of liver damage, and cultures of blood and abscess fluid. If an amoeba is suspected stool tests may be performed. Abdominal CT scan, ultrasound, and/or MRI may be performed to identify the abscess.

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

Other Specific Tests: Blood culture, culture of abscess fluid, percutaneous drainage of the abscess.

Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

Drainage of the abscess with a catheter inserted through the skin which is guided by a CT scan or ultrasound. Sometimes surgery is recommended. Intravenous antibiotics will be provided for bacterial causes of liver abscess while oral antibiotics may suffice for amebic abscess.