Amebic liver abscess

Alternative names:

abscess - amebic liver; extraintestinal amebiasis; hepatic amebiasis

Symptoms:

• fever
• abdominal pain
  • in the right upper quadrant (from the enlarged, tender liver)
  • may be intense, continuous, stabbing

• general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
• sweating
• chills
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• diarrhea
• jaundice
• joint pain (may occur)

Signs and tests:

These tests detect abscess in the liver:

• abdominal ultrasound
• abdominal CT scan
• liver biopsy, CT guided
• liver scan
• Liver function tests show abnormalities.
• A CBC shows elevated white blood count, indicating infection.
• A serology for amebiasis is positive.
• Indirect hemagglutination test (see Coombs' test, indirect) shows abnormalities.