Amebic peritonitis secondary to amebic liver abscess.

A series of 19 patients who had amebic peritonitis secondary to rupture of an amebic liver abscess is presented. This represents 2.4% of the patients treated for ALA during an 18.5-year period. Eighty-four percent were men and ages ranged from 6 to 70 years. Rupture occurred prior to admission in 17 patients. Abdominal pain and fever were the most common symptoms. Abdominal tenderness, liver enlargment, distention, and jaundice were the predominant physical findings. All patients underwent operation. Removal of necrotic and purulent material combined with wide drainage were carried out. In two patients with amebic cecal disease, intestinal bypass was also done. The mortality rate was 42%. It was significantly increased in patients over 50 years of age and in those in whom a correct preoperative diagnosis was not made.