Hepatic aneurysm in patients with amoebic liver abscess. A review of cases in literature.

INTRODUCTION

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution, higher in countries with poor sanitation due to its oral-faecal way of transmission. It is the causative agent of amoebic colitis and extraintestinal amoebiasis, and accounts for 40 000-100 000 deaths yearly. Amoebiasis can be complicated by liver abscess in 9% of cases. Rarely, vascular complications have been reported. Aneurysms of the hepatic artery have been described, rarely, in patients with amoebic hepatic abscess.

AIM AND METHODS

Aim of our study was to describe clinical presentation, details of vascular lesions, treatment and outcome of patients with a history of amoebiasis complicated by hepatic abscess and aneurysm of hepatic vessels (key words "Amoebiasis AND aneurysm).

RESULTS

Six case report were included. Mean age of patients was of 44.8 ± 8 years (range 31-52). All patients were male. Leucocytosis, anaemia, fever, abdominal pain, hematemesis, haemobilia, melena and hepatomegaly were the most frequently reported signs and symptoms. Aneurysms lesions occurred in hepatic artery or in its branches. In 2 cases rupture occurred. In 3 cases aneurysm embolization has been successful in treating arterial lesion. Spontaneous regression after abscess drainage occurred in 2 cases. Uneventful recovery was reported in the five patients with available follow up data.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic artery aneurysms may complicate amoebiasis in patients with hepatic abscess. Notwithstanding the high burden of the disease, majorly in developing countries, only data from sporadic case report are available, suggesting underreporting bias. Further studies are needed to better understand the vascular involvement in this setting of parasitological interest.