Amoebic liver abscess in patients presenting with jaundice. A report of 5 cases

Five patients with severe jaundice resulting from amoebic liver abscess are described. All had features of hepatic parenchymal damage and cholestasis, and 1 patient developed hepatic coma. In addition, acute tubular necrosis and renal failure occurred in 3 patients. Four patients in the series survived. The importance of early recognition and treatment of amoebic liver abscess in patients presenting with jaundice is emphasized, so that the serious and often fatal complications of hepatic and renal failure can be prevented.