liver abscess

Q: Liver abscesses are more commonly involved in which lobe of the liver? - select one

A) Right

B) Left

C) Caudate lobe

D) Quadrate lobe

Answer: A

The right lobe of the liver is larger and has a greater blood supply, making it the most commonly involved lobe in abscesses. The major distinction is required between a cyst and an abscess. Cysts appear as fluid collections without surrounding stranding or hyperemia. 

Another differential diagnosis is a tumor (solid), which becomes challenging when there is necrosis and bleeding within the tumor.

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References:

1. Kozielewicz DM, Sikorska K, Stalke P. Liver abscesses – from diagnosis to treatment. Clin Exp Hepatol. 2021 Dec;7(4):329–36. doi: 10.5114/ceh.2021.110998. Epub 2021 Nov 26. PMCID: PMC8977881.

2. Lin AC, Yeh DY, Hsu YH, Wu CC, Chang H, Jang TN, Huang CH. Diagnosis of pyogenic liver abscess by abdominal ultrasonography in the emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2009 Apr;26(4):273-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2007.049254. PMID: 19307388.