Amoebic lung abscesses. A case report

A case of multiple amoebic lung abscesses without indication of direct extension from a subclinical liver abscess, which delayed correct diagnosis, is reported. Severe constitutional symptoms, life-threatening haemoptysis and large pulmonary lesions were the prominent clinical manifestations. The response to metronidazole was dramatic. It is postulated that haematogenous spread was responsible. The rarity of this form of amoebiasis is evident on published reports.