Computed tomography and 67Ga citrate radionuclide imaging for evaluating suspected abdominal abscess

A retrospective analysis of the results of 67Ga citrate radionuclide imaging and computed tomography (CT) in 45 patients with suspected abdominal abscess was conducted to determine the mertis of each method. Both techniques were highly sensitive in detecting abdominal abscesses, and often provided complementary and supplementary diagnostic information; their combined use many times offset the limitations of each method used alone. Guidelines are suggested that permit rapid evaluation, while limiting diagnostic errors, when using 67Ga citrate radionuclide imaging and CT in the presence or absence of localizing symptoms and signs.