Alternative Names
Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscess
Definition of Pyogenic liver abscess
Pyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled area in the liver.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are many potential causes of liver abscesses, including:
Signs and tests
Tests may include:
Treatment
Treatment usually consists of surgery or going through the skin with a needle or tube to drain the abscess. You will also receive antibiotics for about 4 – 6 weeks. Sometimes antibiotics alone can cure the infection.
Expectations (prognosis)
This condition can be life threatening some patients. The risk for death is higher in people who have many liver abscesses.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 9/15/2010
