SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Unraveling the Recurrence of Amebic Liver Abscess

Pdf Summary

This case describes a 32-year-old man with alcohol use disorder who presented with fever, chills, and dull epigastric pain. Imaging revealed a 6.7 × 6.6 cm right hepatic lobe lesion consistent with a liver abscess, and further history showed he had immigrated from South America and had been treated for Entamoeba histolytica infection 15 years earlier. Laboratory testing confirmed E. histolytica IgG positivity and ruled out Echinococcus. He was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, metronidazole, catheter drainage, and later luminal therapy with paromomycin to eradicate intestinal cysts.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that amebic liver abscess (ALA) is uncommon in the United States but can be serious if not promptly treated. Risk is higher in people from endemic regions and in men aged 30 to 60. Alcohol use may increase susceptibility by impairing immune function and disrupting gut microbiota, which may contribute to persistence of cysts and recurrence. Symptoms are often nonspecific, such as fever, right upper quadrant or epigastric pain, and malaise, so diagnosis may be delayed.<br /><br />The key message is that ALA can recur many years after the initial amebiasis infection, especially when risk factors such as alcohol use disorder and incomplete cyst eradication are present. There are no routine screening guidelines after prior amebiasis, so prevention depends on recognizing risk, promoting alcohol cessation and dietary improvement, and ensuring complete treatment with luminal agents.

Asset Subtitle

Donnee Athem

Meta Tag

Author List Donnee Athem, Folashade Arinze

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Amebic Liver Abscess

Concept Prior Entamoeba histolytica Exposure

Concept Serologic Test

Concept Entamoeba histolytica

Concept Antimicrobial Therapy

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

Presenting Author Donnee Athem

Track Adult

Keywords

amebic liver abscess

Entamoeba histolytica

alcohol use disorder

hepatic abscess

paromomycin

metronidazole

catheter drainage

epidemiology

recurrence

luminal therapy

Amebic Liver Abscess

Prior Entamoeba histolytica Exposure

Serologic Test

Entamoeba histolytica

Antimicrobial Therapy