Clinical profile of liver abscess in a tertiary referral hospital

The two common types of liver abscess encountered are amoebic liver abscess and pyogenic liver abscess. Amoebiasis is a common infestation in developing countries due to poor sanitary facilities. It affects about 10% of the population all over the world. Amoebic liver abscess is the commonest extra intestinal manifestation of amoebiasis. It affects about 3-9% of victims. India is an endemic zone for amoebic liver abscess. It may present as acute abdomen requiring emergency laparotomy. Spontaneous intraperitoneal rupture, extra and retroperitoneal rupture and intrathoracic rupture are frequently seen in liver abscess. Delay in diagnosis may lead to rupture of liver abscess which may increase the morbidity as well as mortality.