[Thoracic complications of liver abcess in children].

The study included 58 cases of liver abscess draining into the thorax, seen at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico from January, 1963 to December, 1973. These 58 complicated cases represent 16.2% from a total of 358 patients with liver abscess seen through the same period of time. The clinical picture, period of evolution, methods of diagnosis, treatment and results are analyzed finding that out of 50 cases draining into pleura or lungs, 44 were admitted with this complication already present, the same as 5 out of the 8 cases to pericardium. From the 58 cases, 24 died and 34 recovered. An early diagnosis of uncomplicated amebic liver abscess and adequate treatment constitute the basis to prevent the high morbilethality subsequent to complications.