[Ultrasound diagnosis of retroperitoneal abscesses in spinal tuberculosis]

Sixty four patients were examined to elucidate the capacities and accuracy of ultrasonography (USG) in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal abscesses by ultrasound and X-ray studies. They were all operated on. Retroperitoneal abscesses were detected in patients (58 observations). X-ray retroperitoneal abscesses aroused doubts in 23% of cases. Ultrasonographic evidence was erroneous in 4.9% of cases. USG may reveal accumulation or absence of liquid pus, define the extent and number of chambers of retroperitoneal abscesses, which is helpful in answering questions as what surgical access should be chosen and what scope of a surgical intervention made. The safety and cost-effectiveness of the procedure allows a follow-up to be made.