Background

Liver abscess remains a significant cause of morbidity in the developing

world with diverse etiology and presentation. Early diagnosis and

treatment are key to averting complications. The present study was aimed

at assessing the clinical, etiological, and radiological profile of liver

abscess cases and therapeutic outcomes.

Methods

The prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of

Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani

Hospital, New Delhi, between April 2023 and November 2024. A total of

100 adult patients with a diagnosis of liver abscess on the basis of clinical

presentation and radiological imaging were included. Complete history,

general physical examination, hematological and biochemical tests,

microbiological culture of blood and aspirated pus, and imaging tests were

conducted. Treatment was by medical management with or without

percutaneous drainage. The patients were followed up for two months after

discharge.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 42.6 years with male predominance (M:F

ratio = 4.3:1). Fever (92%) and pain in the right upper quadrant (87%)

were the most common symptoms. The most prevalent comorbidity was

chronic alcohol use (45%). Right lobe pathology (72%) and solitary

abscess (68%) were common. Etiology was amoebic in 62%, pyogenic in

28%, and undetermined in 10% of the patients. Blood cultures were

positive in 18%, the most common isolate being Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Pus cultures were positive in 34%. Clinical improvement was seen in 90%

of patients, 58% requiring percutaneous drainage.

Conclusion

Amoebic abscess remains the most significant etiology of liver abscess in

the region. Early detection and combined medical-surgical management

have favorable outcomes with minimal complications.