Unusual presentation of amoebic liver abscess

Two cases of amoebic liver abscess are described. The unusual, purely left pleuritic, presentation in the first patient is emphasised. Amoebic liver abscess should still be thought of in any patient presenting with an acute febrile illness, upper abdominal and or thoracic manifestations and polymorphonuclear leucocytosis. Such a consideration should obviate unnecessary morbidity, mortality and the injudicious use of ineffective therapeutic agents.