Combined liver-lung gamma imaging in subphrenic abscess.

Combined scintigraphy of the lung and liver provides a sensitive, simple and non-invasive method of evaluating the subphrenic space. Since the surgical approach is different in subphrenic, subhepatic and intrahepatic abscesses, accurate localisation and recognition of single or multiple abscesses provides the basis for an operative approach which may avoid unnecessary violation and contamination of the peritoneal cavity. The importance of correlation of the scintiscans with companion roentgenograms of the abdomen and chest, and accurate localisation of the diaphragm using serial scanning, is emphasised. Negative good-quality scans reliably rule out subphrenic abscess.