Intrathoracic complications of amoebic liver abscess

Amoebiasis is a world-wide parasitic infestation but is more prevalent and virulent in warm countries. Of 33 patients with amoebic liver abscess (ALA) seen over a 5-year period, 24 had intrathoracic complications. Management consisted mainly of the administration of the antiamoebic agent metronidazole (Flagyl), repeated needle aspiration of ALA and surgical drainage when aspiration failed. Closed tube thoracostomy was the preferred management of amoebic empyema. Associated cerebral involvement in 4 cases improved with parenteral metronidazole. Pericardial amoebic abscess claimed 100% mortality in our series.