Liquefactive necrosis (or
colliquative necrosis) is a type of
necrosis which results in a transformation of the tissue into a liquid viscous mass. Often it is associated with focal
bacterial or
fungal infections. In liquefactive necrosis, the affected cell is completely digested by
hydrolytic enzymes, resulting in a soft, circumscribed lesion consisting of pus and the fluid remains of necrotic tissue. Dead leukocytes will remain as a creamy yellow pus. After the removal of cell debris by
white blood cells, a fluid filled space is left. It is generally associated with
abscess formation and is commonly found in the
central nervous system.