Caval thrombosis and pulmonary embolism complicating an amoebic liver abscess

Objective: To report the clinical history, diagnosis and course of an amoebic abscess of the caudate lobe of the liver. Patient: A 33-year-old Indian man with an amoebic abscess of the caudate lobe of the liver (5cm in diameter). Interventions: Medical treatment comprising intravenous metronidazole followed by percutaneous drainage of the abscess and laparotomy. Results: The patient responded initially to medical treatment on clinical and radiological examination. The abscess was later complicated by inferior vena cava thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: Early aspiration of amoebic abscesses of the caudate lobe of the liver is advised irrespective of their size or the response to medical treatment.