Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Laparoscopic Anterior Right Hepatectomy: A Single-Center Experience
Published on: December 4, 2023
Risk factors and clinical outcomes for spontaneous rupture of pyogenic liver abscess
Chung Hwan Jun1, Jae Hyun Yoon, Jin Woo Wi
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Objective:
To evaluate the risk factors and clinical outcomes in patients with spontaneous rupture of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA).
Methods:
A total of 602 patients diagnosed with PLA between January 2004 and July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 23 patients experienced a spontaneous rupture of liver abscess (SRLA).
Results:
The prevalence of SRLA was 3.8%. Using multivariate analysis, liver cirrhosis (OR 4.651, P = 0.009), gas-forming abscesses (OR 3.649, P = 0.026), abscess ≥6 cm in diameter (OR 10.989, P = 0.002) and other septic metastases (OR 1.710, P = 0.047) were risk factors for SRLA. Regarding the site of rupture, 20 (87.0%) patients had a localized rupture, specifically, subphrenic abscess in 3 (13.0%), peri-hepatic abscess in 10 (43.5%), localized peritoneal abscess in 3 (13.0%) and empyema in 4 (17.5%); and the other 3 (13%) had peritonitis. Ruptures resulting in peritonitis require urgent surgery, whereas localized ruptures were managed with surgical or percutaneous drainage in addition to appropriate antibiotics. The in-hospital mortality rate of SRLA was 4.3%.
Conclusion:
Patients with cirrhosis, having abscess ≥6 cm in diameter, gas-forming abscesses and other septic metastases in those with PLA should be monitored closely and may need early intervention for SRLA.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Cholecystitis
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

