Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Liver Regeneration Research through ALPPS Mouse Model
Published on: January 19, 2024
Multiple septae as potential protective factors against spontaneous pyogenic liver abscess rupture: a propensity
Hairui Wang1, Yue Ren1, Zhaoyu Liu1
1Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China.
Purpose:
The symptoms of spontaneous rupture of a pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) are severe and often life-threatening. Multiple septae are important imaging features of PLA. However, the relationship between septation and abscess rupture is still under debate.
Methods:
Patients diagnosed with PLA from January 2011 to November 2019 in our hospital were included. We collected demographic, clinical, and computed tomography data. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined liver abscess rupture risk factors. The relationship between multiple septae and abscess rupture was evaluated by propensity score matching after matching other influencing factors.
Results:
A total of 583 patients of pyogenic liver abscesses were included in the study: 30 ruptured and 553 unruptured. Multivariate analysis revealed diabetes, single lesion, gas formation, left hepatic lobe location, and a diameter > 66.5 mm as independent risk factors for ruptures, while multiple septae were identified as a protective factor. After matching all the influencing factors (excluding multiple septae), multiple septae and abscess rupture maintain a negative relationship.
Conclusions:
Multiple septae were identified as a potentially protective factor against spontaneous pyogenic liver abscess ruptures.
Insights
Multiple septae in pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) may protect against rupture. This study found septations were a protective factor, not a risk factor, for PLA rupture.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Spontaneous rupture of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a severe complication.
- The role of septation in PLA rupture is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between septation and spontaneous PLA rupture.
- To identify risk factors associated with PLA rupture.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 583 patients with PLA.
- Demographic, clinical, and CT data were collected.
- Propensity score matching was used to evaluate the effect of septation.
Main Results:
- Diabetes, single lesion, gas formation, left hepatic lobe location, and larger diameter (>66.5 mm) were independent risk factors for rupture.
- Multiple septae were identified as a protective factor against rupture.
- A negative relationship between multiple septae and abscess rupture was confirmed after matching.
Conclusions:
- Multiple septae appear to be a protective factor against spontaneous pyogenic liver abscess rupture.
