The variable CT appearance of hepatic abscesses

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Abstract
Fifty computed tomographic (CT) scans in 33 patients with 37 separate episodes of hepatic abscess were reviewed retrospectively. Abnormalities were detected in all but one case (97% sensitivity). However, a characteristic CT appearance of hepatic abscess was not evident. Most intrahepatic foci were solitary, but multiple abscesses were present in 34% of cases. The CT appearance of the lesions varied from well defined, rounded cavities with contents near water density, resembling poorly defined hepatic cysts, to higher-density foci indistinguishable from hepatic neoplasms. In only 19% was gas present within the abscess. Rim enhancement was seen in only 6%. This study suggests that CT is a sensitive test for detecting hepatic abscess but is often nonspecific.