Pyogenic liver abscess: a study of forty-four cases in two centres

44 patients with pyogenic liver abscess, 22 each from Leicester, UK, and Göteborg, Sweden, presenting between 1972 and 1980 have been reviewed. 29 patients were diagnosed prior to specific treatment with 3 deaths (10%); 15 patients were first discovered at autopsy resulting in an overall mortality of 41%. The presentation, pathogenesis, and treatment are discussed in detail. It is concluded that the continuing high mortality of this condition largely relates to the difficulty in establishing the diagnosis. Reduced morbidity (and perhaps mortality) might be achieved with wider use of percutaneous methods of drainage.