[Comparison of clinical characteristics between cryptogenic and biliary pyogenic liver abscess].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of cryptogenic and biliary pyogenic liver abscess by comparing the clinical aspects between the two groups.


METHODS
Of 119 patients treated for pyogenic liver abscess from 2000 to 2004, 82 subjects with cryptogenic liver abscess and 21 with biliary abscess were analysed retrospectively.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding clinical symptoms. The characteristics of abscess were similar except the size of abscess. The size of abscess less than 5 cm in diameter was more common in biliary group than in cryptogenic group (p=0.004). Compare to cryptogenic group, biliary group had more positive culture test from abscess (100% vs. 69%, p=0.006). Especially, E. coli isolated from abscess culture (28% vs. 7%, p=0.014) and blood culture (23% vs. 4%, p=0.035) were more common in biliary group than in cryptogenic group. There was no difference in mortality between the two groups (biliary vs. cryptogenic: 4.8% vs. 0%, p=0.204). However, the rate of clinical improvement was higher in cryptogenic group than in biliary group (92.7% vs. 66.7%, p=0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Biliary liver abscess had similar clinical characteristics to cryptogenic origin. Biliary liver abscess had smaller abscess size and more positive abscess culture rates than cryptogenic abscess. Improvement rate without complication and recurrence was higher in cryptogenic group than biliary group.
Choi
Hye Young
HY
Department of Internal Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea.
Cheon
Gab Jin
GJ
Kim
Young Don
YD
Han
Koon Hee
KH
Kim
Kwang Seok
KS
Nah
Byung Kyu
BK
D000368:Aged; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D005260:Female; D006088:Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D046290:Liver Abscess, Pyogenic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies