Subphrenic Abscess

Subphrenic Abscess 

an accumulation of pus, often with gas, under the diaphragm; a complication from acute inflammatory diseases of the organs of the abdominal cavity, including appendicitis, cholecystitis, and perforated ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, or from traumatic injuries to the organs accompanied by peritonitis.

Subphrenic abscess is one of the more frequent occurrences of what are called residual intra-abdominal abscesses. More rarely observed are extraperitoneal subphrenic abscesses, located between the diaphragm and the diaphragmatic peritoneum—a complication of retroperitoneal phlegmon or paranephritis. Subphrenic abscess is manifested by fever, chills, and pains in the thorax and the hypochondrium on the affected side. There is often an accumulation of exudate in the pleural cavity. X-ray data, which are important in diagnosing subphrenic abscess, include limitation of mobility of the cupula of the diaphragm and the fact that it stands high and the presence of gas with a level of fluid under the diaphragm. The only treatment is surgical. Preventative measures consist in early diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases that can lead to the condition.

V. A. PENIN