- Pyogenic liver abscess
- Amoeba liver abscess
What is liver abscess?
An abscess is defined as an accumulation of pus that can occur in any part of the body, inside or outside, and can have effects throughout the body. In rare cases, bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses settle and reproduce in the liver tissue, causing an inflammatory reaction and an abscess may occur in the liver. Liver abscesses can be life-threatening if they are not diagnosed early and treatment is delayed.
What are the types of liver abscesses?
There are two different types of liver abscesses as pyogenic and amoebic. The incidence, occurrence and causes of these two types are different.
What is pyogenic (bacterial) liver abscess and what are its causes?
Pyogenic liver abscesses are rare. Diseases such as advanced appendicitis, inflamed bile duct (cholangitis), colon cancer or liver diseases are among the causes of pyogenic liver abscess, which is usually located in the right lobe of the liver (anatomical side) and manifests itself as a single abscess; in addition, severe infections caused by bacteria in the blood, inflammatory bowel diseases, inflamed hemorrhoids and liver injuries due to various reasons can also lead to pyogenic liver abscess. Pyogenic liver abscess is a health problem that can result in death if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of pyogenic liver abscess?
Pyogenic liver abscess manifests itself with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, chills, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, unexplained and rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, cough, dark urine, diarrhea, jaundice, whitish or gray feces.
How is pyogenic liver abscess diagnosed?
The symptoms caused by this disease can often be confused with the symptoms of gallbladder inflammation or inflammatory liver cysts associated with the biliary tract.
In the diagnosis of pyogenic liver abscess, it is necessary to count all white blood cells and neutrophil subgroup, evaluate liver enzymes and sedimentation, as well as check the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Additionally, ultrasonography (USG) is a method used in diagnosis and follow-up. Contrast-enhanced abdominal tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are also used in the diagnosis of liver abscess.
How is pyogenic liver abscess treated?
Pyogenic liver abscess can lead to death if left untreated. For this reason, it is important to meticulously implement the appropriate treatment plan immediately after the diagnosis and to reduce the size of the abscess and completely eliminate it. In treatment, the interventional radiologist usually performs drainage (excretion) of the abscess by entering a catheter through the skin under USG guidance. Then or simultaneously, antibiotic use is started. In cases where catheter drainage is insufficient, surgery may be required to completely remove the abscess. Antibiotic treatment continues after the surgery.
What is liver amoeba abscess and what are its causes?
Amoeba abscess in the liver is more common in areas that are hot, humid and where hygienic conditions are not good. Abscess generally occurs in a very small group of patients following amoeba infection. The incidence of this type of abscess is higher in men in the 30-40 age group than in women. Abscesses usually occur in the right lobe of the liver; however, abscesses may occur commonly in both lobes, and in these cases the disease is more severe.
What are the symptoms of liver amoeba abscess?
Sudden pain in the right shoulder, fever, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, anemia, sweating, tremors, tachycardia, cough and green sputum are among the symptoms of liver amoeba abscess.
How is liver amoeba abscess diagnosed?
Clinical examination by the doctor is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. As in pyogenic liver abscess, ultrasound stands out as the most commonly used diagnostic method in amoebic abscess. CT or MRI imaging is also used to diagnose an abscess. Other symptoms to diagnose amoeba abscess include moderate leukocytosis (increase in the number of red blood cells) and anemia.
How is liver amoeba abscess treated?
The most effective treatment method for liver amoeba abscess is antibiotics. Antibiotics, which should be used for 7 to 10 days, provide relief in almost all cases of liver amoeba abscess. In some cases, the abscess may need to be drained by inserting a needle through the skin.