Symptoms:

Depending on the location, symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain and distention
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea
• Rectal tenderness and fullness
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Signs and tests:

A complete blood count may show a higher than normal white blood count. A comprehensive metabolic panel may show liver, kidney, or blood chemistry problems.

A CT scan of the abdomen will usually reveal an intra-abdominal abscess. After the CT scan is done, a needle may be placed through the skin into the abscess cavity to confirm the diagnosis and treat the abscess.

Other tests may include:

• Abdominal x-ray
• Ultrasound of the abdomen

Sometimes surgery called a laparotomy may be needed to diagnose this condition.