Abscess
Chapter: 2
One of the possible outcomes of acute inflammation, which is especially likely if the inciting agent is a pyogenic (pus-forming) organism. An abscess is a circumscribed cavity filled with pus (purulent exudate) that is associated with liquefactive necrosis of related solid tissue. Although its initiation is usually acute, an abscess can persist, becoming chronic. Under such circumstances, the inflammatory stimulus continues, resulting in a continuing influx of neutrophils. Abscesses can be particularly difficult therapeutic problems, because their interiors have little or no vascularization, making it difficult to deliver therapeutic agents effectively.