Computed tomographic evaluation of abdominal and pelvic abscesses.

The CT characteristics of abdominal and pelvic abscesses in 29 patients were analyzed. The pathological development of an abscess as it relates to the CT appearance is discussed. Findings such as low-density areas within a soft-tissue mass or a definable wall or rim, while seen in abscesses, can be seen in other pathological entities as well, such as hematomas, noninfected inflammatory masses, and cystic or necrotic tumors. The most specific CT sign of an abscess was extraluminal gas, seen in 38% of patients.