amoebic liver abscess
Last reviewed 01/2018
Amoebic liver abscesses usually occur in the right lobe of the liver.
In only 15% of cases is there active dysentery at the time of diagnosis. There is only a history of preceding amoebic dysentery in about 15%. Amoebic abscesses may occur many years after subclinical amoebic colitis.
One percent of left lobe abscesses rupture into the pericardium, resulting in pericarditis. This may develop into cardiac tamponade.
Jaundice is a very rare feature. It occurs as a result of compression of one of the major intrahepatic bile ducts. Rarely, splenomegaly may also be seen.