Fever Through a Jaundiced Eye

TL;DR

Pyogenic liver abscess is a treatable cause of fever and abdominal pain, especially in patients with biliary tract issues.

Contribution

Highlights the importance of imaging and percutaneous drainage in diagnosing and managing pyogenic liver abscess.

Findings

Imaging techniques have made diagnosing pyogenic liver abscess more straightforward.

Percutaneous drainage has revolutionized the treatment of the condition.

PLA should be considered in patients with biliary tract disease.

Abstract

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an important clinical entity to consider in a patient with fever and abdominal pain. Previously, the condition was difficult to diagnose and treat, but with the introduction of widely available and reliable imaging techniques, its diagnosis has become more straightforward. Although uncommon, PLA should especially be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with specific predisposing conditions such as underlying biliary tract disease, whether as a result of chronic inflammatory disease or malignancy. The introduction of percutaneous drainage has revolutionized the management of PLA, and thus, this disease has become largely correctable.

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