What is Liver Abscess

Liver abscess is an infected area inside the liver that contains a collection of pus. The liver is a large organ in the upper right side of the abdomen. It has many important functions, including storing energy, producing fluids that the body needs, and removing harmful substances from the bloodstream.

A liver abscess can be dangerous if not treated.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• A bacterial infection.
• An infection with a parasite called an amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica).
• An infection with a fungus called Candida. This is a rare cause.

A liver abscess can occur:

• When infections spread to the liver from other parts of the abdomen, such as the appendix (appendicitis), the large intestine (diverticulitis), or the gallbladder (cholecystitis).
• When infections spread to the liver from other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
• After abdominal surgery or a penetrating injury to the abdomen.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if you:

• Have diabetes.
• Have a liver disease (cirrhosis) in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue.
• Have a weakened disease-fighting system (immune system).
• Take a specific type of medicine to reduce stomach acid (proton pump inhibitor).
• Are older.
• Are male.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition often come on slowly over many days or a few weeks. The most common symptoms are:

• Fever.
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

Other symptoms include:

• A general ill feeling (malaise).
• Chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Weight loss.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam.
• Blood tests to check for infections.
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound. Doing imaging tests is often the best way to find an abscess.
• Needle aspiration. In this procedure, a long needle is put through the skin and into the liver. A sample of pus is drained out through the needle. The sample is studied under a microscope, and a culture test is done.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the cause of the infection.

• If the abscess was caused by bacteria, treatment usually involves having the pus drained and taking antibiotic medicines.
  • At first, you may need to receive antibiotics that are given directly into a vein through an IV. For a severe infection, you may need to be hospitalized.
  • The pus may be drained from the abscess through needle aspiration or by making an incision in the abscess.
• If the abscess was caused by an amoeba or a fungus, drainage of the abscess is usually not needed. Antimicrobial medicines are normally used to treat those infections.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

• Rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid activities that take a lot of effort.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg), or the limit that you are told, until your health care provider says that it is safe.
• Do not drink alcohol until your health care provider approves.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms get worse, or you develop any of the following symptoms:
  • Pain in your abdomen.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fever.
  • Chills or sweats.

Get help right away if:

• Your abdominal pain suddenly gets worse.
• Your skin or your eyes look yellow.
• You develop confusion.

Summary

• A liver abscess is an infected area inside the liver that contains a collection of pus.
• Liver abscesses often cause abdominal pain, fever, and other symptoms. A liver abscess can be dangerous if not treated.
• If the abscess was caused by bacteria, treatment usually involves having the pus drained and taking antibiotic medicines.
• If the abscess was caused by an amoeba or a fungus, drainage of the abscess is usually not needed. Antimicrobial medicines are normally used to treat those infections.
• Get help right away if your abdominal pain suddenly gets worse, your skin or your eyes look yellow, or you develop confusion.