A liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver caused by an infection. It can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes:
- Bacterial infection: Often caused by bacteria spreading from the digestive tract.
- Parasitic Infection: Such as amoebiasis.
- Liver Trauma: Liver lesions.
- Medical Procedures: Complications of surgical or endoscopic interventions.
Symptoms:
- Fever: Elevation of body temperature.
- Abdominal pain: Pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Weight Loss and Appetite: Decreased appetite and weight loss.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests: To detect signs of infection and inflammation.
- Ultrasound and Computed Tomography (CT): To visualise the abscess in the liver.
- Fine Needle Aspiration: To obtain a sample of pus for culture.
Treatment:
- Antibiotics: To treat the underlying bacterial infection.
- Percutaneous drainage: Drainage of the abscess using a needle or image-guided catheter.
- Surgery: In severe cases or when percutaneous drainage is not possible.