Pyogenic liver abscess.

Abstract

Liver abscess is an uncommon condition, with an incidence of one to four cases per year in most hospitals in the United States. It can affect persons of any age but is most commonly seen in patients 50 to 70 years old. Clinical findings are nonspecific in a large number of patients and, therefore, one should maintain a high clinical index of suspicion and be aware of abnormal laboratory data, particularly liver function tests. On the basis of these factors, one of the imaging techniques discussed earlier--particularly the ultrasound and the CT scan--should be ordered for the patient immediately. Once the diagnosis of liver abscess is made, the primary source of infection should be determined. Prompt antibiotic treatment and percutaneous drainage or open surgery, depending on the circumstances, should be used. This approach should minimize the morbidity and mortality in this disease that was otherwise always fatal just a few decades ago.