[Hepatic amebiasis in a metropolis. Apropos of 9 cases]

From 1981 to 1990 nine patients suffering from amebic liver abscess were under observation at the Tours hospital. Hepatic amebiasis is scarce in France. Most of the subjects have stayed in endemic areas. Most of the time patients are male adults suffering from fever and abdominal pains. In most cases the liver ultrasonography shows a single cut of the right lobe with variable and non specific aspects. Once the diagnosis has been given a metronidazole treatment must be prescribed. The diagnosis will be confirmed by serology reactions. Clinical supervision is essential. The clinical effectiveness of the treatment is spectacular. Comparatively it will take about six months until serology reactions and liver ultrasonography get back to normal. Management of hepatic amebiasis need exceptionally echo-guided percutaneous puncture or surgery.