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Extraintestinal amebiasis
A G Juimo1, F Gervez, F F Angwafo
1Department of Radiology, General Hospital Yaounde, Cameroon.
Abstract:
Extraintestinal involvement is a dreaded complication of amebiasis, with a reported mortality rate of 7%-14%. The authors retrospectively studied 188 patients with extraintestinal amebiasis confirmed by means of clinical, surgical, and radiologic criteria over a 45-month period. Ultrasonography (US) was the mainstay of radiologic investigation. Liver abscess was present in 183 patients (97%); five patients (3%) had other organ involvement but a normal liver. The majority of liver abscesses were in the right lobe. US is recommended for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with extraintestinal amebiasis. It is noninvasive, simple, easily reproducible, and less expensive than computed tomography. Portable models can be taken into remote areas of the less-developed world.
Insights
Amebiasis can spread to other organs, causing serious complications. Ultrasonography (US) is a valuable, noninvasive tool for diagnosing and monitoring patients with extraintestinal amebiasis, particularly liver abscesses.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Extraintestinal amebiasis is a severe complication of amebiasis.
- It is associated with a significant mortality rate of 7%-14%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis and management of extraintestinal amebiasis.
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of liver abscesses in patients with extraintestinal amebiasis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 188 patients with confirmed extraintestinal amebiasis over 45 months.
- Clinical, surgical, and radiologic criteria were used for confirmation.
- Ultrasonography (US) was the primary radiologic investigation.
Main Results:
- Liver abscess was the most common manifestation, present in 97% of patients (183/188).
- The majority of liver abscesses were located in the right lobe.
- Five patients (3%) had extraintestinal amebiasis without liver involvement.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography (US) is highly recommended for diagnosing and following patients with extraintestinal amebiasis.
- US is a noninvasive, simple, reproducible, and cost-effective imaging modality.
- Its portability makes US suitable for use in remote areas.