Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Thoracic Involvement in Amebiasis


  • Amebiasis is an infection due to the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica
  • Most common manifestation is liver abscesses
  • Thoracic involvement is either through direct extension from the liver (most common) or via hematogenous spread
  • Pleural effusions are common, may be an empyema if the effusion is due to a ruptured hepatic abscess
  • Pneumonia with formation of hepatobronchial or bronchobiliary fistula
  • Pericarditis is more common when the left hepatic lobe is involved and can cause cardiac tamponade
  • Invasion of the IVC may cause pulmonary emboli

REFERENCES
Martinez S, Restrepo CS, Carrillo JA, et al. Thoracic manifestations of tropical parasitic infections: a pictorial review. Radiographics 2005;25:135-55.

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