Amebic liver abscess: 1966-1976

A 10-year retrospective analysis of 15 patients with amebic liver abscess is reviewed and represents a continuation of the previous 2-decade experience at our institution (37 patients). Records were studied to determine the population affected, presenting symptoms, physical and laboratory findings, type and response to therapy. Most patients were rural males of lower socioeconomic status in the third to fifth decade of life. They presented as a febrile illness with abdominal pain for an average of 2 1/2 months duration. Significant physical abnormalities were tender hepatomegaly (93%), right-sided pulmonary changes (40%), and fever (66%). All patients had abnormal liver scan, positive amebic serology, and hypoalbuminemia. All patients promptly responded to amebicidal therapy except one whose therapy was delayed. Clinical suspicion, liver scanning, serologic testing, and response to therapy are the keys to diagnosis.