Liver abscess and hydatid disease

Abstract 

World-wide, most liver abscesses are caused by Entamoeba histolytica. In developed countries, pyogenic abscesses are more common. Hydatid disease, caused by the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is uncommon in developed countries but is endemic in many parts of the world, especially the Middle East. Treatment of liver lesions varies according to the diagnosis, and surgical intervention is sometimes required. Even in developed countries with sophisticated facilities the case fatality rate for pyogenic abscesses is about 10%, and for amoebic abscesses 1–3%. Hydatid disease is rarely fatal but causes significant morbidity.

Keywords: abscess, amoebic, hepatic, hydatid, pyogenic