Amebic hepatic abscess

Amebic hepatic abscess can mimic other hepatic disorders and is a commonly missed diagnosis. It occurs when Entamoeba histolytica infection of the cecum remains untreated and there is embolic spread to the liver. Symptoms include acute or insidious onset of fever, with or without chills, pain in the right hypochondrium or epigastrium with evidence of hepatomegaly, and intercostal or subcostal tenderness. Diagnosis is established by a combination of radiologic and nuclear scanning procedures, serologic tests and aspiration of the abscess.