Liver abscess is a global disease, although it occurs more commonly in areas with poor socioeconomic circumstances. The majority of liver abscesses are pyogenic in nature, but amebiasis is a common cause in areas where the parasite is endemic and sanitation is underdeveloped. This article reviews pyogenic and amebic liver abscesses with special focus on the role of imaging in both diagnosis and management. The epidemiology, pathology, and clinical presentation are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]