A pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a collection of pus that develops in the liver due to bacterial infection. Pus consists of white dead tissues and blood cells, typically produced when your body fights infection. Instead of draining, this pus accumulates in the liver, causing swelling, inflammation, and sometimes severe pain. If left untreated, PLA can be life-threatening.
What Causes Liver Abscess?
The primary cause of PLA is biliary disease, affecting the bile ducts, liver, pancreas, or gallbladder. An infected or inflamed bile duct is linked to nearly 50% of liver abscess cases. Other potential causes and risk factors include:
- Ruptured appendix or other abdominal infections.
- Cancers like pancreatic or colon cancer.
- Bowel inflammation disorders, such as diverticulitis or a perforated intestine
- Septicaemia (blood infection).
- Liver trauma from accidents or injuries.
- People with diabetes are also at higher risk due to increased susceptibility to infections.
What Are the Symptoms of a Pyogenic Liver Abscess?
Symptoms often resemble other severe infections, including:
- Chills and fever.
- Pain in the upper right abdomen.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Dark urine or clay-coloured stools.
- If you experience these symptoms, particularly abdominal pain with fever, seek medical attention immediately.
How Is a Pyogenic Liver Abscess Diagnosed?
Your Healthcare professionals use a combination of tests to diagnose PLA, such as:
- Abdominal ultrasound to locate the abscess.
- CT scan with contrast to visualize and measure the abscess.
- Blood tests to check for infection markers.
- Blood cultures to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.
- In some cases, an MRI may also be used for a detailed view of the liver.
What Treatments Are Available for Pyogenic Liver Abscess?
Treatment typically involves:
- Antibiotics: Some mild cases can be treated with antibiotics alone.
- Abscess drainage: A needle or catheter is inserted to remove pus. This is done using ultrasound or CT guidance.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical removal of the abscess may be necessary.
After drainage or surgery, patients usually require weeks of antibiotics to ensure complete recovery and prevent complications.
What Are the Risks of Pyogenic Liver Abscess?
Without prompt treatment, PLA can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition where infection spreads throughout the body. Other complications include:
- Septic embolism (lung infection).
- Brain abscess (can cause neurological damage).
- Endophthalmitis (eye infection leading to vision loss).
A pyogenic liver abscess is a serious condition requiring urgent medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes, minimizing the risk of life-threatening complications.
