In vitro gray scale echography of protein-lipid fluid collections in liver tissue.

Three types of protein-lipid fluid collections--homogenized milk, buttermilk, and yogurt--were studied in liver tissue by in vitro gray scale echography. These fluid collections are capable of producing internal echoes, dampened sound transmission, partial acoustic "shadows", and ill-defined interfaces with hepatic parenchyma. Such effects may preclude universal detection of purulent hepatic abscesses when they contain similar types of substances.