From the Guidelines
Risk factors for developing liver abscesses include biliary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, bloodstream infections, recent abdominal surgery or trauma, and diabetes mellitus, as well as immunocompromised states and certain parasitic infections. Liver abscesses can also develop from direct extension of infection from nearby organs or through hematogenous spread from distant infection sites. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1, pyogenic abscesses may result from portal venous seeding of diverticulitis and appendicitis, but they also may occur from obstruction of the biliary system, including the gallbladder.
Some key risk factors for liver abscesses include:
- Biliary tract infections
- Intra-abdominal infections like appendicitis or diverticulitis
- Bloodstream infections
- Recent abdominal surgery or trauma
- Diabetes mellitus
- Immunocompromised states, such as HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or chemotherapy treatment
- Certain parasitic infections, particularly Entamoeba histolytica (causing amebic liver abscess)
- Chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis
- Invasive procedures such as liver biopsies, radiofrequency ablation, or transarterial chemoembolization
- Malnutrition and advanced age, which compromise immune function and increase susceptibility
Understanding these risk factors is important for early identification of high-risk patients, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to prevent complications like sepsis or liver failure, as noted in a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1. The management of liver abscesses may involve percutaneous catheter drainage, aspiration, or surgical drainage, depending on the size and complexity of the abscess, as well as the patient's clinical status.
From the Research
Risk Factors for Liver Abscess
The risk factors for developing liver abscesses can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus 2, 3, 4, 5
- Biliary disease, including cholecystitis and cholangitis 6
- Intra-abdominal infections, such as appendicitis and diverticulitis 6
- Liver trauma or ischemia 6
- Immunosuppression or compromised immune function 3
- Presence of bile duct obstruction or stenosis 6
Patient-Related Risk Factors
Patient-related risk factors include:
- Age, with older adults being at higher risk 3
- Sex, with males being at higher risk 4
- Presence of underlying liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer 6
- History of alcoholism or substance abuse 3
Infection-Related Risk Factors
Infection-related risk factors include:
- Type of infecting organism, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being a common cause of liver abscesses 2, 4, 5
- Presence of antibiotic resistance, which can make treatment more challenging 2
- Severity of infection, with more severe infections being associated with higher mortality rates 3
Other Risk Factors
Other risk factors include: