Infect Chemother.  2010 Oct;42(5):299-302. 10.3947/ic.2010.42.5.299.

A Case of Amebic Liver Abscess with Pleural Effusion in an AIDS Patient

• Kim KB
• Na BS
• Lee SH
• Seock CH
• Jo HU
• Choi WS
• Kim MS

• KMID: 1806893
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2010.42.5.299

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that there is an increased risk of amebic liver abscess among those infected with HIV, which is associated with cell-mediated immunosuppression. Although Entamoeba histolytica infection is common among HIV infected patients, only a few cases of amebic liver abscess with bilateral pleural effusion have been reported. We present a case of a 44-year-old man who presented with fever and right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Amebic liver abscess with bilateral pleural effusion was confirmed by serologic test, clinical symptoms, and radiological findings. HIV infection was incidentally diagnosed during treatment. The possibility of the presence of amebic liver abscess should be considered in HIV infected patients with space-occupying lesions in the liver, and HIV screening should strongly be recommended in patients with amebic liver abscess.

Keyword

Amebic liver abscess; Pleural effusion; HIV infection

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Adult
Entamoeba histolytica
Fever
HIV
HIV Infections
Humans
Immunosuppression
Liver
Liver Abscess, Amebic
Mass Screening
Pleural Effusion
Serologic Tests

Figure

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  Figure 1 Colonoscopic examination on the 14th hospital day shows an ulcer with erythema and edema on the cecum.

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  Figure 2 Wall thickening of the ascending colon and round, 58 mm sized liver abscess are visualized by CT scan of the abdomen on hospital day 2.

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  Figure 3 Bilateral pleural effusion is observed on hospital day 5.

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