Clinical characteristics and progression of liver abscess caused by toxocara

AIM: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and progression of liver abscess caused by toxocara.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with serum Ig G antibody to Toxocara canis and liver abscess diagnosed using abdominal computed tomography between February 2010 and February 2015. Among 84 patients exhibiting serum Ig G antibody to Toxocara canis, 34 patients were diagnosed with liver asbscess and treated with albendazole. A follow-up period of 1 year was conducted. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 53(34-79) years, with 26(76.5%) patients being male. Twenty-one(61.7%) patients were moderate or heavy drinkers, 23(67.6%) patients had a history of eating raw meat or liver and 6(17.6%) patients owned pet dogs or cats. Main patient symptoms consisted of right upper quadrant pain, fever, and fatigue; 18(52.9%) patients, however, presented with no symptoms. Lung involvement was detected in 444(11.7%) patients. The eosinophil count increased in 29(85.3%) patients at initial diagnosis, and decreased in most patients after albendazole treatment. The initial serum Ig E level increased in 25(73.5%) patients, but exhibited various response levels after albendazole treatment. Liver abscess formation improved in all patients.CONCLUSION: The liver abscess was improved with albendazole treatment.