Korean J Gastroenterol.
2001 Jul;38(1):37-41.
Clinical Characteristics of 19 Cases of Biopsy - proven Eosinophilic Liver Abscess: Single Center Experience
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan Unuversity School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
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BACKGROUND/AIMS: Eosinophilic liver abscess is a disease with eosinophilic infiltration and microabscess formation in the liver. Little has been known about the clinical features of patients with eosinophilic liver abscess.
METHODS
The clinical characteristics of 19 patients with biopsy-proven eosinophilic liver abscess were evaluated. The median age of the patients was 52 years (range, 29-69). Their medical records were reviewed to obtain the information about peripheral blood eosinophil count, total serum IgE level, study for parasites, CT findings, clinical course and history of allergy, drugs and foods.
RESULTS
Peripheral eosinophilia was observed in all the patients. Total serum IgE level were elevated in most cases. Stool examination for helminth was positive in one patient and ELISA for antibody to parasite was positive in 7 patients. CT showed multinodular or diffuse mass with low attenuation in all the cases. Sixteen had history of frequent intake of raw fish and uncooked wild animal. Underlying liver disease was found in only one patient. Seven (87.5%) of 8 patients treated with steroid or praziquantel and 6 (60%) of 10 non-treated patients improved.
CONCLUSIONS
Eosinophilic liver abscess should be considered in patients with low attenuation liver mass, a history of intaking raw fish or uncooked wild animal, peripheral eosinophilia, and no underlying liver disease.
