Hepatic Pyemia

HEPATIC pyemia signifies invasion of the liver by pyogenic organisms, resulting in the formation of single or multiple liver abscesses. The widespread use of antibiotics has not eliminated this serious complication of sepsis. The ability to scan the liver has facilitated the diagnosis of space-occupying lesions. As yet, this modality is not universally available. In any event, the diagnosis of hepatic pyemia is primarily a clinical one, but it remains elusive, resulting in a mortality that is inordinately high. A critical review of pyogenic liver abscess evaluating diagnosis and treatment in the antibiotic era is presented.MaterialBetween 1942 and . . .