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PubMed1999

[The role of computed tomography in assessing subphrenic abscesses after posttraumatic splenectomy].

INTRODUCTION: We studied subphrenic inflammatory abscesses and splenic fluid collections after splenectomy for trauma. These complications may appear early or late postoperatively; they are easily demonstrated with CT, which permits accurate spatial assessment of the lesions and appropriate treatment with percutaneous drainage. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of CT in subphrenic inflammatory conditions after emergency splenectomy for traumatic spleen rupture and found that CT is a precious tool for rapid and easy diagnosis and follow-up of subphrenic abscesses treated with percutaneous drainage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with left subphrenic inflammatory abscesses after splenectomy for trauma were examined from 1994 to 1998. They were 9 men and 4 women ranging in age 16-67 years (mean: 32). CT demonstrated abscesses early postoperatively in 9 patients and late postoperatively (mean: 3 months) in 4 patients. Abscesses were diagnosed with CT on admission for an abdominal emergency in 3 cases; one abscess was found at outpatient US performed for persisting left abdominal pain. CT-guided percutaneous drainage was performed in all patients with the Trocar technique. RESULTS: A large inflammatory liquid collection with the typical "liquid pseudospleen" appearance and characterized by tomodensitometric coefficients of corpusculated fluid was seen in 3 cases. Multiple confluent lesions with septa were found in 3 cases. Contrastography of the abscess cavity with the injection of a water-soluble iodinated contrast agent was performed in 2 cases to detect fistulas connecting to the intestinal loops. Subphrenic abscesses had the same CT patterns both early and late postoperatively, with the collection organizing into thick and corpusculated phlogistic material and exhibiting enhanced capsulofibrous differentiation. Air bubbles and water-air levels within the collection were found in 7 cases and considered a pathognomonic sign of inflammatory abscesses. A periabscessual reaction involving intestinal loops and adjacent organs was seen in 4 cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy causes depressed phagocytosis and decreases serum levels of IgM and antigen response. This calls for careful selection of the patients absolutely requiring splenectomy, such as those with decompensated circulation and multiple parenchymal ruptures or spleen detachment from its stalk. Subphrenic abscesses after splenectomy account for 2.5% of postoperative complications and those after splenectomy for trauma are rarer still, with 1.3%. CT is the imaging method of choice in detecting inflammatory abscesses in the residual splenic cavity and assessing their extent. CT-guided drainage is the first-line treatment, while surgery is reserved to later stages, when drainage fails or other complications occur. Finally, CT permits accurate positioning of the catheter inserted with the Trocar technique and its immediate monitoring, which permits to assess treatment efficacy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Results of treatment of deep neck abscesses and phlegmons].

INTRODUCTION: Neck, as a structure very closely connected with oral cavity and pharynx, with great number of lymph nodes, (about 2, 3 of all are in the neck), is sometimes a localization of purulent inflammatory process but its incidence is not so high as the incidence of inflammations of surrounding organs and tissue. Deep neck abscesses are localized under the upper fascial layer. They have a serious clinical picture which could be further complicated if inflammation spreads on vessels or neck organs. If the processes spread toward the mediastinum because of the communication space between medial and deep fascial layer with mediastinum, it could be mediastinal inflammation with high mortality. The aim of this study is evaluation of results of treatment in patients with deep neck abscesses and phlegmons treated at Clinic in a ten year period (1988-1997). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study comprised 21 patients who were treated at the ENT Clinic in Novi Sad during 1988-1997. The group consisted of 5 female and 16 male patients from one to 65 years of age. Sixteen (76.2%) patients were treated with antibiotics in general practice, and 5 were admitted without previous therapy, 8 patients were afebrile, with temperatures between 37-38 degrees C and 5 with fever and high temperature. In 17 patients 5 days passed from onset of symptoms to admittance at the Clinic, and 4 patients had enlarged neck lymph nodes a few months. Unknown primary site of infections were in 13 (61.9%) patients, that means abscesses developed as colliquation of inflammatory changed lymph node. In the rest of 8 patients abscesses developed as: oropharyngeal inflammation (4 patients), foreign body perforation of esophagus, chronic otitis media, neck injury, malignant lymphoma. Lateral side of the neck was the most frequent site of neck abscesses and phlegmon in 16 (76%) patients. Red skin over the abscesses didn't appear in 4 patients. In 2 patients neck emphysema developed: anaerobic inflammation in one patient and esophageal perforation in the second. In a patient with SE over the 50 per hour the length of the abscess was over 7 cm, and in those with SE over 100 per hour, the whole neck inflammed. All patients underwent surgical therapy between 24 to 48 h after admission with incision or excision of the abscesses. Pus was collected for culture during the incision or excision of the abscesses and phlegmon. Bacteria were discovered in specimens taken during the incision in 4 (19%) of patients. Different aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated: Enterococcus, Peptostreptococcus sp, Streptococcus viridans, Clostridium species. Surgery was the basic therapy of neck phlegmons and abscesses. In all patients incision was sutured in the second stage. Only one patient got paralysis of n. accesorius. One patient died with gas gangrene of the neck. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Deep neck abscesses and phlegmons are relatively rare inflammations in spite of high incidence of surrounding tissue inflammations. The most frequent causes are inflammatory changes of lymph nodes. Treatment has to be urgent, because of vital neck structures and communications between deep neck space and mediastinum. We consider that surgery is the basic principle of therapy although we have not had experience with needle aspiration. Antimicrobial agents must be given only parenterally.

Abscess↗
PubMed1999

Pyogenic psoas abscess: analysis of 27 cases.

From 1993 to 1998, 29 pyogenic psoas abscesses occurring in 27 patients were seen in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. Their age range was 25 to 85 years. Diabetes mellitus was the leading underlying disease. Fever and pain in the flank area, back and hip were the usual manifestations. The duration of symptoms prior to the diagnosis ranged from 3 days to 6 months. Most abscesses were diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) images and proven by abscess cultures, which were divided into primary and secondary types. Eighteen of 29 abscesses were regarded as primary. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen in the primary abscesses, followed by Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, viridans streptococci, S. epidermidis, and Salmonella spp.. In the secondary abscess category, E. coli was the leading organism in this series, followed by S. aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, viridans streptococci and Candida albicans. The associated conditions included epidural abscess, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, perirenal abscess, pulmonary tuberculosis, empyema, hydronephrosis and trauma history. The initial empiric therapy comprised mostly of cefazolin or oxacillin with or without an aminoglycoside. Thirteen patients underwent percutaneous drainage, while six received surgical debridement, including two with a recurrent abscess. One patient had both drainage and debridement. Others received medical treatment only. Two of the patients with primary abscess died in spite of percutaneous drainage. Therefore, open drainage, besides appropriate antibiotic treatment, is still required to control complex abscesses with sepsis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Sonographic features of breast abscesses with emphasis on "hypoechoic rim" sign.

BACKGROUND: There are only limited reports on the ultrasound (US) features of breast abscess. The purpose of this paper is to review the US features of breast abscess with emphasis on "hypoechoic rim" sign which is more commonly seen in chronic abscess. METHODS: In a period of 10 years, 20,998 patients were referred for breast US examinations. Medical records identified 204 patients in whom breast abscess was diagnosed. All patients were examined using high-resolution real-time US scanners. The initial ultrasound reports and hard copy images were all carefully reviewed. The grading of the echogenicity of the abscess was classified from grade 0 to grade 5. The contours of the lesions were described as smooth, macrolobulated, microlobulated, irregular, zigzag, spiculate or indistinct. The wall thickness was measured to document the presence of "hypoechoic rim" which denoted a wall thickness greater than 2 mm. The associated findings and other acoustic phenomena related to the lesion were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six patients (136/204) having specific aspiration and/or biopsy/histopathological results were included in the study. All of the 136 patients showed abnormal US findings (100%). Most lesions showed grade 1 or grade 2 echogenicity (117, 86%). The contour of the abscess was usually smooth (42, 31%), macrolobulated (42, 31%), or irregular (22, 16%). A hypoechoic rim was noticed in 18 lesions (13%). Focal skin thickening was chiefly noticed in 91% of superficial abscesses (39/43) and 17% of intramammary abscesses (14/84). Diffuse skin thickening was exclusively evident in the breasts coexisting with mastitis. Hypoechoic interstitial streaks were not a common finding (7%), occurring in acute abscesses. The other findings included surrounding hypoechoic amorphous tissue (26%), posterior wall enhancement (71%), distal enhancement (60%) and lateral shadows (57%). CONCLUSIONS: US plays an important role in confirmation of the clinical diagnosis of breast abscess and aids significantly in the management of inflammatory breast diseases. Presence of the hypoechoic rim surrounding a fluid space or a central area of low-level echoes (i.e., grade 1 to grade 3) is indicative of a chronic abscess.

Abscess↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Complex MR-diagnosis of brain abscesses].

Early diagnosis of brain inflammatory lesion is a basic factor in choosing treatment policy. The paper investigates the use and informative value of diffuse-weighed magnetic resonance imaging in the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses and processes of another origin. It also considers the application of MR spectroscopy and perfusion MRI to obtain additional information on an inflammatory processes. A series of observations covered 10 patients with brain abscesses at different sites. Diffusion-weighed image (DWI) revealed a drastic increase in a MR signal from the central abscess portions (a pyonecrotic area), which is suggestive of decreased diffusion of water molecules. The measured diffusion ratios (MDRs) were significantly lower in the central abscess area (p < 0.005) than those in the capsule and white matter of the brain at all values of the diffuse factor b (500, 1000 sec/mm2); the capsule was better visualized at the DWI at b = 500 sec/mm2. In addition, MDRs were significantly different within the annular contrasting area of abscesses and glioblastomas, in the abscess/tissue capsule, and edema (p < 0.01). Proton spectroscopy of the central abscess area (pus) revealed succinate, acetate, alanine, peaks of lactate and amino acid. Perfusion MR study (bolus contrasting and estimation of the tissue parameters rCBV and MTT) has indicated that the central abscess in relation to the medulla is a decreased perfusion area; perfusion in the abscess capsule is close to that in the medulla in its characteristics, but medullary time in this area is shorter than that in brain tissues; perifocal edema is also characterized by hypoperfusion. The analysis of complex MRI study in patients with brain abscesses has demonstrated that diffuse-weighed MRI enhances diagnostic specificity, diagnoses the development of a pyonecrotic abscess center at early stages of capsule formation; MR spectroscopy is an additional method of differential diagnosis of brain abscess and processes of another nature whereas perfusion MRI provides additional information on medullary hemodynamic changes.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Treatment strategy for renal abscesses].

AIM: A retrospective assessment of treatment results in a group of patients treated for renal abscesses by our work team during the last five years. The aim is to determine the most suitable therapeutical approach for each abscess group, depending on their size. PATIENTS AND METHODOLOGY: There were 13 patients in the group (10 of them were women and 3 of them were men, aged 36, on average). The ultrasound examination of the kidneys was conducted using the 5 MHz appliance. In cases when antibiotics were prescribed, they were prescribed in combination, most often ampicillin and gentamicin. The evacuation percutaneous punction of the abscess cavity was carried out using a standard technique under the sonographic control. The kidney was approached via lumbotomy during the nephrectomy procedure. RESULTS: The hospitalization lasted for 19 days on average (5-72 days). The right and left kidney involvement ratio was 5:8. In four cases we chose a conservative approach, in all cases, the patients concerned were treated during the previous three years. The abscess cavity measured 2.75 cm on average, in the above patients cases. Eight patients underwent a percutaneous punction of the abscess cavity. The average size of the renal abscess was 5.5 cm in this patient group. One patient underwent nephrectomy. The patient concerned was immunosuppressed. Three- to four months after the treatment commenced, the control CT scan revealed no residual abscess foci. CONCLUSION: The medium-sized renal abscesses may be solved using a percutaneous abscess punction. The small-sized abscesses may be successfully solved using antibiotics, introduced parenterally. The conservative treatment is considered inappropriate in cases of immunocompromized patients and for abscesses larger than 5 cm.

Abscess↗
PubMed2004

Imaging of abdominal abscesses.

The aim of the study is presenting own experiences in using different diagnostic modalities in evaluating abdominal abscesses. Material comprises a group of nine patients with diagnosed abdominal abscess aged between 22 and 78 years. The plain abdominal radiograms, ultrasound examinations and computed tomography were performed in those patients. The CT examination was performed in 10-mm thick axial sections, before and after administering contrast agent. The perirenal abscesses were found in two patients. In US have showed various, inhomogeneous echogenicity, depending on the stage of the abscess. The contrast CT reveals enhancing septa, thick walls and oval, central area of lower density. The plane radiograms revealed abscesses in three cases. In two of them abscesses were complications of previouscholecystectomy. The large abscesses dislocated intestinal loops. CT was necessary to assess the extent, depth and shape of retroperitoneal fluid collections. Abdominal abscess is life threatening condition requiring quick diagnosis and proper management. The imaging methods are especially important in diagnosis of abscesses. Abscesses may by recognized on plain abdominal radiograms, but US and especially CT are much more sensitive and accurate. CT is imaging modality of choice in revealing abdominal abscess. CT and US are very useful in nonoperative therapies, including US and CT guided drainage.

Abdominal Abscess↗
PubMed2005

Clinical features and outcome of non-drug-addicted patients with infective endocarditis and perivalvular abscess.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Perivalvular abscess is a serious complication in infective endocarditis (IE) that confers a poor prognosis. Few data are available concerning the long-term outcome of these patients. The study aim was to determine clinical features and long-term prognosis of non-drug addict patients with IE complicated by perivalvular abscess. METHODS: Among a consecutive series of 241 patients with IE, 30 (12.4%) were diagnosed with perivalvular abscess and treated at the authors' institution over a 15-year period. A comparative analysis of patients with perivalvular abscess and other patients in the series was performed. RESULTS: Perivalvular abscess was more frequently associated with aortic valve endocarditis (93% versus 35%, p <0.05), and Streptococcus sp. was the predominant microorganism. Severe complications during hospital admission were more common in patients with perivalvular abscess (100% versus 61%, p <0.01). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with perivalvular abscess (33% versus 15%, p <0.05). Event-free survival at five years among survivors of the in-hospital phase was 86% in patients with perivalvular abscess, and 83% in those without abscess (p = NS). CONCLUSION: Patients with IE and perivalvular abscess have a higher in-hospital mortality rate, as major complications are more common in these patients. However, among patients who survived the active phase of the disease, long-term survival was similar with or without perivalvular abscess.

Abscess↗
PubMed2005

[Comparison of liver abscess between diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Klebsiella pneumoniae is emerging as the leading cause for liver abscess although the most common pathogen was Escherichia coli in the past. Patients with diabetes mellitus are more likely to have a pyogenic liver abscess with gas forming infection; a gas forming pyogenic liver abscess carries a higher morbidity and mortality than the non-gas forming group. This study was conducted to clarify the clinical presentation and prognostic factors for pyogenic liver abscess in diabetic patients compared with non-diabetic patients. METHODS: Medical records of 140 cases of patients treated for pyogenic liver abscess from January 1995 through January 2004 were reviewed retrospectively in detail. RESULTS: Among 140 cases of pyogenic liver abscess, underlying diabetes was present in 26.4% (37/140). The clinical presentation between the two groups was not significantly different. The most common organism for the pyogenic abscess was K. pneumoniae in both groups. A gas forming liver abscess was discovered in only the diabetic liver abscess group, 6 of 37 patients (16%). CONCLUSIONS: K. pneumoniae was the most common organism cultured in both diabetic and non-diabetic liver abscess. Gas forming liver abscess was more common in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients. Diabetic patients had more complications than non-diabetic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Strategies in the management of pyogenic psoas abscesses.

The presentation and management of eight patients with pyogenic psoas abscesses treated at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, between January 1986 and July 1989 are presented. The psoas abscesses were secondary to underlying gastrointestinal disease in six patients and sacral osteomyelitis in one patient. In one patient, the etiology of the abscess could not be determined. The average duration of symptoms in these patients was 16 days. Computed tomography was useful in identifying the abscess, defining its complexity, and planning therapy in all eight patients. Seven patients had complex, multiloculated abscesses, and one patient had a simple abscess. Extraperitoneal drainage was used in all patients. The patients with multiloculated abscesses had open surgical drainage, while the patient with the simple abscess had percutaneous catheter drainage. Most patients with a gastrointestinal etiology for their abscess underwent staged resection 3 to 6 weeks after the drainage procedure. There were no deaths, recurrent abscesses, or fistulae in these patients. Two patients developed thromboembolic complications postoperatively. Extraperitoneal drainage with staged resection of underlying gastrointestinal pathology is a safe and effective way of treating patients with psoas abscesses.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1989

Bacterial liver abscess in children.

From November 1987, 136 children with bacterial liver abscess were encountered. There were 97 males and 39 females and the age ranged from 1-15 years (mean = 8.42 years). The clinical signs and symptoms of liver abscess were confirmed by radiography, ultrasonography, percutaneous transhepatic drainage (PTHD) and radioisotope scanning. 103 children had solitary abscess and the remaining 33 children, multiple abscesses. Of the children with multiple abscesses, 23 had abscesses confined to one lobe of the liver and 10 had involvement of both lobes of the liver. 86 children had culture of liver abscesses done and only 63 (73.2%) yielded positive culture. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the commonest organisms cultured from liver abscesses. 72 cases had drainage of liver abscesses, one of them ended up with hepatic artery ligation. A further 15 cases treated by PTHD survived. Of the remaining 49 cases who had antibiotic therapy, 2 died of septicemia, giving a mortality rate of 1.47%. 36.3% of children with liver abscesses responded to antibiotic therapy. The indication and method for surgical management are discussed. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage (PTHD) of liver abscesses, under the guidance of ultrasonography is found to be safe and effective.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Accumulation of indium-111-labeled neutrophils and gallium-67 citrate in rabbit abscesses.

A rabbit abscess model was developed to study the effect of abscess age on the accumulation of indium-111-labeled neutrophils ([111In]N) versus gallium-67 citrate (67Ga). Abscesses 1-2 hr, 6-8 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days old were induced by subcutaneous injection of autoclaved colon contents prior to i.v. administration of either [111In]N or 67Ga. Radioactivity in the abscesses was determined 48 hr postinjection. Accumulation of [111In]N was inversely proportional to abscess age. Seven-day-old abscesses were inconsistently seen on [111In]N scans. In contrast, 67Ga accumulation was not affected by abscess age and all abscesses could be identified on a scan 48 hr postinjection. Scans with [111In]N were clearly superior to 67Ga scans for demonstrating early abscesses. Since 67Ga accumulated to a greater extent than [111In]N in abscesses 7 days old, it may be a superior imaging agent for older abscesses.

Abscess↗
PubMed1984

Different actions of deferoxamine and iron on Ga-67 abscess detection in rats.

The contrast-enhancing properties of iron (Fe) and deferoxamine (DFO) in abscess imaging with Ga-67 citrate were compared in rats bearing turpentine-induced abscesses. Iron administration shifted Ga-67 from plasma into tissues such as muscle and fat. As a result, the abscess-to-plasma ratio increased whereas the abscess-to-muscle ratio decreased. DFO enhanced the abscess-to-muscle and abscess-to-plasma ratios by increasing urinary Ga-67 excretion. In contrast to Fe, DFO removed abscess-bound Ga-67, thus representing a disadvantage of DFO compared with Fe. As a result, the abscess-to-plasma ratio was more effectively enhanced by Fe than by DFO. We conclude that abscess imaging with Ga-67 citrate may be improved by administration of Fe for detection of abscesses masked by blood activity, or DFO for detection of abscesses surrounded by muscle tissue.

Abscess↗
PubMed1982

Incidence and microbiology of abdominal and pelvic abscess in Crohn's disease.

The incidence of abdominal and pelvic abscess is reported from a consecutive series of 111 patients undergoing 124 resections for Crohn's disease. Preoperative abscesses were found as a complication of Crohn's disease in 13 patients (10%) and 8 were clinically unsuspected. The majority of preoperative abscesses were confined to one site (localized to bowel, psoas sheath, pelvis, or in the abdominal wall). All preoperative abscesses occurred in patients requiring an emergency or urgent operation. Patients with a preoperative abscess had significantly lower serum albumin levels and significantly increased serum alkaline phosphatase values than the patients without an abscess. Postoperative abscesses occurred in 17 patients (14%) and six were multiple. Five of the postoperative abscesses occurred in patients who had had a preoperative abscess; these recurrent abscesses all presented 6-14 wk after an uncomplicated initial operation. The principal bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli (54%), Bacteroides fragilis (44%), enterococci (41%), and viridans streptococci (31%). The incidence of abscess was unrelated to the use of preoperative steroid therapy.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1994

Left-sided liver abscess in childhood.

Abscesses occur less frequently on the left side of the liver than on the right, and are implicated in a higher incidence of complications. Of a total of 124 children with liver abscesses seen at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital from 1974 to 1990, 26 had left-sided and 98 right-sided lesions. A similar spectrum of organisms was cultured, and 20 (77%) of the left-sided abscesses were found to be caused by pyogenic organisms as opposed to 78 (79%) of those on the right. The remainder were of amoebic origin. In 5 patients with multiple abscesses involving predominantly the left side of the liver, the right side was also involved. These were excluded from further comparison of left and right liver abscesses. Of the remainder, 16 (62%) left-sided and 77 (83%) right-sided abscesses were solitary. Clinical features were similar in both groups but epigastric mass was more frequent in left-sided lesions. After an initially conservative management policy, surgical drainage was necessary in 87.5% of solitary left-sided liver abscesses as opposed to 64% of solitary right-sided abscesses. No intrapericardial ruptures were noted, but 2 pericardial effusions required drainage. There was no mortality but 3 patients with solitary left-sided abscesses ruptured. The important role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and follow-up period is stressed. Patients with solitary left-sided abscesses are identified as being at risk. Abscess drainage is recommended in this group.

Child↗
PubMed1994

Conservative initial treatment for liver abscesses in children.

A total of 124 children aged less than 14 years with a liver abscess were seen in a 16-year period (1974-1990) and treated by non-operative initial management. Of the abscesses 98 occurred in the right liver and 26 in the left. The abscesses were solitary in 93 patients. Overall, 77 of the solitary and 21 of the multiple abscesses were confined to the right liver. In 78 of the right-sided and 20 of the left-sided abscesses the infection was primarily pyogenic in nature with Staphylococcus aureus being the usual organism cultured. The remainder were of amoebic origin. Clinical features were similar in patients with amoebic and pyogenic abscesses. Clinical and ultrasonographic follow-up demonstrated successful non-operative management and healing in 37 per cent of all patients submitted to an initial protocol of medical supportive care and antibiotic therapy. Of the multiple abscesses 60 per cent responded to non-operative management. Fourteen of the 16 solitary left-sided liver abscesses required drainage and three left-sided abscesses ruptured before drainage. Patients with a solitary left-sided abscess warrant early operative intervention.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1980

Management of liver abscess.

Thirteen patients with amebic liver abscess and 26 with pyogenic abscess were identified during a 10 year period. All but one patient with an amebic abscess had emigrated or traveled to areas where amebiasis was endemic. Half of the patients in whom pyogenic abscesses developed had debilitating disease and anemia. Factors predisposing to multiple rather than solitary hepatic abscess were biliary tract disease before surgery, cancer, chemotherapy, steroid administration and alcoholism. Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and hypoalbuminemia were present in most patients. Three patients with amebic abscess died, two of whom has massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage from associated amebic colitis. No patient with a solitary pyogenic liver abscess died. Fifteen of 16 patients with multiple liver abscesses died. Failure to consider the diagnosis of liver abscess, confusion over interpretation of the scan, failure to operate or provide a timely operation and failure to adequately explore the abdomen or identify all abscesses were factors responsible for eight unnecessary deaths.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Features distinguishing amoebic from pyogenic liver abscess: a review of 577 adult cases.

Distinguishing amoebic from pyogenic liver abscesses is crucial because their treatments and prognoses differ. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 577 adults with liver abscess in order to identify clinical, laboratory, and radiographic factors useful in differentiating these microbial aetiologies. Presumptive diagnoses of amoebic (n = 471; 82%) vs. pyogenic (n = 106; 18%) abscess were based upon amoebic serology, microbiological culture results, and response to therapy. Patients with amoebic abscess were more likely to be young males with a tender, solitary, right lobe abscess (P = 0.012). Univariate analysis found patients with pyogenic abscess more likely to be over 50 years old, with a history of diabetes and jaundice, with pulmonary findings, multiple abscesses, amoebic serology titres <1:256 IU, and lower levels of serum albumin (P < 0.04). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that age >50 years, pulmonary findings on examination, multiple abscesses, and amebic serology titres <1:256 IU were predictive of pyogenic infection. Several clinical and laboratory parameters can aid in the differentiation of amebic and pyogenic liver abscess. In our setting, amebic abscess is more prevalent and, in most circumstances, can be identified and managed without percutaneous aspiration.

Adolescent↗