The combined role of intravenous contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and computed tomography (CT) in liver abscess diagnosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Through this study, we intend to review the main aspects regarding the contrast enhanced ultrasound evaluation of liver abscesses, pursuing a comparative analysis between the medical literature and our own experience.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From June 2008 until December 2010 we have evaluated in our department a consecutive series of 11 patients with liver abscesses (7 males, 63.63%) all between the ages of 45 and 74. All the patients displayed a clinical and biological picture leading to an inflammatory process. The imaging diagnosis was made after confronting the results of the contrast enhanced ultrasound with those of the computed tomography.

RESULTS

In 10 out of 11 patients that were part of the study, we have assessed 14 liver abscesses. A single patient showed spread lesions inside both liver lobes, and they were assessed as hepatic micro abscesses. Three of the patients showed multiple right lobe lesions, 7 patients showed single lesions and one patient showed disseminated lesions within both lobes. We examined six mature lesions, 4 lesions with incomplete necrosis and 4 immature lesions, with no necrosis. The particular aspect of mycotic microabscesses is mentioned at the conventional ultrasound and at the CEUS as well.

CONCLUSION

Various types of hepatic abscesses have different imaging findings, and typical CT and CEUS findings can suggest the diagnosis.