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Amebic liver abscess

Alternative Names: Hepatic amebiasis; Extraintestinal amebiasis; Abscess - amebic liver Symptoms: Patients may or may not have symptoms of intestinal infection. Symptoms that may be present include: Fever Abdominal pain, particularly in the right, upper region. Pain may be intense, continuous, or stabbing. General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise ) Sweating Chills Loss of appetite Weight loss Diarrhea Jaundice Joint pain Signs and tests: Text Continues Below These tests detect abscess in the liver: Abdominal ultrasound Abdominal CT scan or MRI Liver biopsy - rarely done due to high risk of complications Liver scan Liver function tests may show abnormalities A CBC shows elevated white blood cell count, indicating infection. A serology for amebiasis is positive References: Wells CD, Arguedas M. Amebic liver abscess. South Med J. 2004 Jul;97(7):673-82. Lingvay I, Aung, K. Amebic liver abscess. eMedicine. 2004 Nov; 2662. Available online at: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2662.htm. Accessed June 23, 2005. Torre A, Kershenobich D. Amebic liver abscess. Ann Hepa tol. 2002 Jan-Mar;1(1):45-7. Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Amebic Liver Abscess. In: Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2002:1345-1346.

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