Subphrenic abscess

Overview
Subphrenic abscess is a localized infection between the colon and the diaphragm on the left side of the abdomen and the liver and the diaphragm on the right side of the abdomen.

They may occur following rupture of any organ in the abdomen or following any diagnostic (e.g laparoscopy) and surgical procedures in the abdomen.

Differential diagnosis of underlying causes

 * Blunt or penetrating traumas
 * Surgical procedures
 * Infections
 * Tumors or ulcers that lead to rupture of abdominal organs.

Signs and Symptoms

 * Fever
 * Chills
 * Upper abdominal pain
 * Difficulty in breathing and painful breathing.
 * Shoulder pain (due to irritation of the diaphragm)

Diagnostic Findings
Images shown below are courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

Pathological Findings
Images shown below are courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology