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Histological Analyses of Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury in Zebrafish
Published on: May 25, 2017
Fatal case of amoebic liver abscess in a child
Khuen Foong Ng1, Kah Kee Tan1, Romano Ngui2
1Department of Pediatric, Tuanku Jaafar Hospital, 70300, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Insights
This case study highlights a fatal amoebic liver abscess (ALA) in a child, emphasizing the critical need for early diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Report
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
Background:
- Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is a serious complication of Entamoeba histolytica infection.
- Pediatric cases of ALA are rare and can present with non-specific symptoms.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of pediatric amoebic liver abscess.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges and clinical course of ALA in children.
- To underscore the importance of considering parasitic infections in febrile pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 6-year-old boy with suspected appendicitis.
- Diagnostic imaging including ultrasonography, chest X-ray, and CT scan.
- Laboratory investigations including PCR on abscess pus for Entamoeba histolytica.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms mimicking appendicitis, later developing respiratory distress.
- Imaging revealed bilateral lung consolidation and pleural effusion alongside two liver abscesses.
- PCR confirmed Entamoeba histolytica as the causative agent of the liver abscesses.
Conclusions:
- This case illustrates the potential for amoebic liver abscess to present atypically in children.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial, though outcomes can still be poor.
- Entamoeba histolytica should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric liver abscesses, especially in endemic areas.
Abstract:
We reported a case of amoebic liver abscess (ALA) in a 6-year-old Malaysian boy who presented with fever, lethargy, diarrhoea and right hypochondriac pain. On admission he was diagnosed with perforated acute appendicitis and a laparotomy was done. After surgery he developed acute respiratory distress. Ultrasonography, chest X-Ray and CT scan revealed two ALAs in the posterior segment of right lobe of liver, pleural effusion and collapsed consolidation of lungs bilaterally. Percutaneous liver abscesses drainage was done and intravenous Metronidazole was started. PCR carried out on the pus from the abscess was positive for Entamoeba histolytica. Patient however succumbed to the infection one week after admission.
