[Amebic abscess of the liver. Contribution of ultrasonics to developmental diagnosis apropos of 983 cases].

Diagnosis and course of acute single amebic abscess of liver were studied in 983 cases followed up regularly until recovery. A simple but very precise classification is proposed based on course of disease as determined by ultrasound imaging. Early appearances prior to ultrasound are emphasized, these involving pronounced reversible biliary and pancreatic modifications that should be recognized in patients presenting before development of an abscess evident on liver ultrasonography. Ultrasound assists follow up during medical treatment. It very effectively demonstrates the dissociation between pathologic and clinical findings characteristic of this course, with clinical recovery usually within 8 to 10 days contrasting with persistence of liver abscess over several months.