Point-of-care Ultrasound Identification of Hepatic Abscess in the Emergency Department

A 92-year-old female with past medical history of hypertension presented to the emergency department with pain in her right shoulder, right flank, and right upper quadrant of her abdomen. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and computed tomography imaging showed concerns for multiple large hepatic abscesses. Percutaneous drainage removed 240 millileters of purulent fluid that identified Fusobacterium nucleatum, a rare cause of pyogenic liver abscess.

Emergency physicians should keep hepatic abscess on their differential for right upper quadrant abdominal pain and can use POCUS for expeditious diagnosis.