Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
03:47
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
736
Recurrent amebic liver abscesses over a 16-year period: a case report
D Creemers-Schild1,2, P J J van Genderen1, L G Visser2
1Institute for Tropical Diseases, Harbour Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
BMC Research Notes
|October 21, 2016
Summary
Recurrent amebic liver abscesses are rare, especially in high-income countries. This case highlights a patient with three episodes over 16 years despite adequate treatment, prompting exploration of underlying causes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is uncommon in developed nations.
- Recurrences of ALA are exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
- This report details a unique instance of multiple ALA recurrences in a single patient.
Observation:
- A Caucasian male experienced three distinct amebic liver abscess events at ages 23, 27, and 39.
- Only the initial episode was associated with recent travel to tropical regions.
- The patient underwent appropriate medical treatment for each abscess episode.
Findings:
- The patient presented with recurrent amebic liver abscesses over a 16-year span.
- Despite consistent and adequate treatment, the abscesses reappeared.
- Potential contributing factors such as asymptomatic carriage, familial cyst transmission, reinfection, or coincidence were considered.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of rare, long-term recurrences of amebic liver abscesses.
- It prompts further investigation into the pathophysiology of recurrent ALA, even in treated individuals.
- Understanding these rare occurrences may inform diagnostic and management strategies for similar complex cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
581
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
581
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
2.2K
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
2.2K
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
978
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such...
978