Liver abscess (patient information)
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(Condition) On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:
Overview
Pyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled area in the liver.
What are the symptoms of Liver abscess?
- Chest pain (lower right)
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Fever, chills
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
- Pain in right upper abdomen (more common) or throughout the abdomen (less common)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Weakness
- Yellow skin (jaundice)
What causes Liver abscess?
There are many potential causes of liver abscesses, including:
- Abdominal infection such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a perforated bowel
- Infection in the blood
- Infection of the bile draining tubes
- Recent endoscopy of the bile draining tubes
- Trauma that damages the liver
The most common bacteria that cause liver abscesses are:
In most cases, more than one type of bacteria is found.
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
Tests may include:
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Bilirubin blood test
- Blood culture for bacteria
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Liver biopsy
- Liver function tests
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Treatment usually consists of placing a tube through the skin to drain the abscess. Less often, surgery is required. You will also receive antibiotics for about 4 - 6 weeks. Sometimes, antibiotics alone can cure the infection.
Where to find medical care for Liver abscess?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Liver abscess