PYOGENIC HEPATIC-ABSCESS

Pyogenic hepatic abscess is a rare condition associated with severe sequelae. The diagnosis may be obvious in patients with fever and leukocytosis who are clearly predisposed to this infectious complication. In patients without known risk factors, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, usually until numerous health care resources have been consulted. The evaluation of occult hepatic abscess may be improved by a history directed at identifying predisposing conditions, by an appropriate physical examination and by the use of computed tomographic scanning. The standard treatment for pyogenic hepatic abscess is percutaneous or open drainage, accompanied by broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.