Amoebic liver abscess. Review of 220 cases

Two hundred and twenty cases of amoebic liver abscess were seen between 1981-1986. The majority were young or middle aged males belonging to the lower socio-economic group and 85% gave a history of drinking toddy (fermented palm juice). The highest incidence of the disease occurred during the peak toddy season (April to July). Toddy drinkers become susceptible perhaps because of the large dose of Entamoeba histolytica and bacteria ingested with the drink, associated malnutrition, poor hygiene, hepatic dysfunction and possible suppression of amoebistatic substance. Useful investigations consisted of skiagram and ultrasonography, the later being sometimes used to guide the aspiration needle to abscesses situated at unconventional sites. Over 88 per cent responded well to conservative treatment with aspiration(s). Laparotomy was required in slightly over 10% of cases and in these the mortality was 12% as compared to 2% with conservative treatment. Although a large amount of liver tissue appears to be destroyed, the residual liver damage is clinically, biochemically, macroscopically and microscopically minimal.