Long term follow-up of amebic liver abscess: clinical and ultrasound patterns of resolution.

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and sonographic patterns of resolution in amebic liver abscess (ALA). There were 146 patients of ALA attending the gastroenterology clinic of a tertiary care centre of whom 25 died. Of the remaining 121 patients, 107 were followed up for 20.9 +/- 11.4 months. 14 (11.3%) patients were lost to follow up before complete disappearance of the cavity. Complete disappearance of the cavity was seen in 84 (78.5%) and a reduction in volume to 50% at entry in 23 (21.5%). Abdominal pain, fever and hepatomegaly were the predominant forms of clinical presentation. On ultrasound, there were 121 cavities in 107 patients. The most frequent type of lesion was solitary, (96%) round cavity (80.4%) in the right lobe of liver (85%). Clinical and hematological parameters of resolution occurred rapidly (3.2 +/- 2.9 months). Sonographic resolution took much longer (9.6 +/- 6.8% months) in the 84 patients. The remaining 23 patients are on follow up. Three pattern of resolution were observed: Type I--where complete disappearance of the cavity occurred within 3 months (29.8%), Type II--where a gradual reduction and disappearance of the cavity occurred (64.3%) and Type III--where a rapid reduction till 25% of original cavity size remained and then a delayed resolution occurred (5.9%). There were no relapses in the patients on follow up. Factors that influenced healing time included the size of the abscess cavity at admission, hypoalbuminemia and anemia. The type of clinical presentation, nature of therapy, number or location of abscesses and time for clinical resolution did not influence the resolution time. None of the variables studied influenced the pattern of resolution. We conclude that rapid clinical resolution is common in patients with ALA. Sonographic resolution may be delayed and does not warrant additional or prolonged therapy.