Predisposing Factors 1. 2. 3.

Gender Smoking Gastrointestinal Surgery Gastrointestinal Infection Endoscopy

Precipitating Factors 4. 5. 6. 7. Advanced Age Alcohol intake Sex Compromised Immune System

Ingestion of pathologic agent

Pathologic agent continues into the GI tract Pathologic agent survive stomach acids

Pathologic agent moves into colon (usually cecum)

Attachment to cecal mucosa

Penetration of epithelium by lytic digestion

Pathologic agent burrows deeper Reaches muscularis mucosa

Invades further towards the mesentery and portal venous system

Thrombus formation on branches of portal vein due to lytic necrosis of portal vessel wall

Generation of pathway to lobules of liver

Phagocytes (Kupfer) in the liver attack invading pathologic agent Survivors continue to destroy neighboring liver cells

Leukocytes are released to mount against ongoing tissue injury

Development of cellular debris as by-product of cellular encounter (live and dead leukocyte, liquefied liver cells, Pathologic agent)

Walling off of inflammed area with exudate

Abscess formation ensues

Diminished Immune system responses

HEPATIC ABSCESS

Pathologic agent invades the bloodstream

Rapid proliferation of pathologic agent

SEPSIS