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

Chirurgia (Bucur). 2012 May-Jun;107(3):343-51.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Liver Abscess / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color* / methods

Substances

  • Contrast Media