Hepatocellular carcinoma simulating amebic liver abscess: report of a case and analysis of current diagnostic methods.

Radiological and serological tests are valuable tools commonly used in diagnosing amebic liver abscess. The limitations in sensitivity and specificity of the various imaging procedures should be recognized in order to avoid misinterpretation of test results. Serodiagnostic methods present potential pitfalls primarily because of their frequent inability to differentiate previous disease from active infection, and must therefore be interpreted carefully.