Liver abscesses and cysts Flashcards
1
Q
define a liver abscess or cyst?
A
- Abscess: liver infection resulting in a walled off collection of pus
- Cyst: liver infection resulting in a walled off collection of cyst fluid
2
Q
causes and risk factors of pyogenic cysts?
A
o Staphylococcus aureus (Kids)
o Escherichia coli (Adults)
o 60% are caused by biliary tract disease
3
Q
causes and risk factors of amoebic abscesses?
A
o Caused by Entamoeba histolytica
o Spread via faecal-oral route
o Often travel history to the far east
4
Q
causes and risk factors of heated cysts?
A
o Caused by tapeworm Echinococcus granulosis
5
Q
epidemiology of pyogenic, amoebic and hydatid cysts
A
- pyogenic is common in the industrialised world
- amoebic is most common worldwide
- hydatid is most common in sheep rearing countries.
6
Q
main presenting symptoms of liver abscesses and cysts?
A
- Fever
- Malaise
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- RUQ pain
7
Q
signs of liver abscesses and cysts on physical examination?
A
• Fever - continuous or spiking • Jaundice • Tender hepatomegaly • Right lung base: o Dullness to percussion o Reduced breath sounds o Due to reactive pleural effusion
8
Q
what might the bloods show is a cyst is present?
A
o FBC • Mild anaemia • Leukocytosis • High eosinophils (if hydatid disease) o LFTs • High ALP • High bilirubin
9
Q
what might a liver USS show?
A
fluid filled cavity
