Diagnosis and therapy of liver abscess by ultrasonographic imaging, puncture and drainage.

Liver abscesses in 19 patients were primarily diagnosed by real-time ultrasound. Characteristic features and changes in the course of disease are described. Fine needle puncture under ultrasonographic guidance confirmed the diagnosis and permitted bacteriologic examination. Ultrasonographically guided abscess drainage dramatically improved the clinical condition, and can be recommended as an alternative to surgical drainage.