title: Pyogenic liver abscess: new concepts of an old disease.
abstract: Early recognition of pyogenic liver abscess requires a high index of suspicion. The abrupt onset of hectic fevers and jaundice is rarely seen today; instead, an insidious progression of malaise, abdominal pain, and night sweats is more common. Biliary tract disease is the most frequent underlying disorder. An elevated alkaline phosphatase is a useful clue to the condition, but diagnosis depends on imaging of an abscess cavity followed by aspiration. Treatment involves antibiotics together with drainage, which can often be performed successfully by a nonsurgical percutaneous approach. However, prognosis continues to be poor unless the diagnosis is made promptly.
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000150:complications; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008100:Liver Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D013492:Suppuration; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase