The lung pays the price: Massive pleural empyema as a rare complication of amoebic liver abscess – an autopsy case report
Abstract
An amoebic liver abscess (ALA) caused by Entamoeba histolytica remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical regions. Although hepatic rupture into adjacent thoracic structures is a recognised but rare complication, it can be fatal if undiagnosed or untreated. Hepatic abscesses can rupture and spread the infection to the thoracic cavity, resulting in the formation of a hepato-thoracic fistula, rarely. We report an autopsy case of a middle-aged female who died suddenly following nonspecific systemic symptoms. Postmortem examination revealed a large ALA that had ruptured through the diaphragm, leading to massive pleural empyema. This autopsy case report underscores the importance of early clinical suspicion, imaging, and surgical management to prevent such catastrophic outcomes.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Amoebic Infections and Treatments
Infectious Disease Case Reports and Treatments
Pleural and Pulmonary Diseases
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Medicine Science and the Law
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Volume
- 66
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 258024261439476–258024261439476
- Publication date
- 29 April 2026
- Language
- EN