Ultrasonography and amoebic liver abscesses

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Amoebic liver abscesses are a significant health concern.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for amoebic liver abscesses.
• To assess the role of ultrasonography in guiding aspiration biopsies and patient follow-up.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination, stool analysis, liver function tests, liver scintiscan, and gray scale ultrasonography were performed on 24 patients.
• Aspiration biopsies were used for verification in 19 patients.

Main Results:

• Ultrasonography diagnosed amoebic liver abscesses in 20 out of 24 patients (83.3%).
• Aspiration biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 19 patients (95%), with one false-positive due to hepatoma.
• Ultrasonography accurately determined abscess location, size, and pus characteristics, aiding biopsy and management.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonography is a safe, accurate, and rapid diagnostic tool for suspected amoebic liver abscesses.
• It is highly recommended for routine diagnosis, pre- and post-treatment assessment, and monitoring for complete cure.