[2] Liver Abscess Flashcards
What do liver abscesses typically result from?
Polymicrobial bacterial infection spreading from the biliary or gastrointestinal tract to the portal or hepatic veins
How can bacterial infection spread from the biliary or GI tract to the portal and hepatic vein?
Either via contiguous spread or seeding
What are the common causes of liver abscesses?
Cholecystitis Cholangitis Diverticulitis Appendicitis Septicaemia
What are the most commonly isolated organisms involved in liver abscesses?
E. Coli
K. Pneumoniae
S. Constallatus
When might fungal cases of liver abscesses be present?
In immunocompromised patients
How do patients with liver abscesses typically present?
Fever
Rigors
Abdominal pain
When should pyogenic abscesses be considered?
In all patients presenting with pyrexia of unknown origin associated with associated abdominal pain or bloating
What are the other symptoms of liver abscesses?
Bloating Nausea Anorexia Weight loss Fatigue Jaundice
What will be found on examination with liver abscesses?
RUQ tenderness, with or without hepatomegaly
How may a patient present with a ruptured liver abscess?
Signs of shock
What investigations should be done in suspected liver abscess?
Bloods
Imagingq
What may bloods show in liver abscesses?
FBC will show leucocytosis
LFTs are often abnormal, with raised ALP in most cases and deranged ALT and bilirubin in a proportion
What should all patients with liver abscesses have sent for microscopy?
Peripheral blood and fluid cultures
What imaging can be done in liver abscesses?
Ultrasound imaging
CT imaging with contrast
What will be shown on ultrasound imaging with liver abscesses?
Poorly-defined lesions with hypo- and hyper-echoic areas, with potential gas bubble and septations
What is the purpose of CT scan with contrast in liver abscesses?
It can provide further delineation
What may a CT scan with contrast show in liver abscesses?
Similar pattern from the collection as seen on ultrasound, with associated surrounding oedema