Liver abscess: sonography in diagnosis and treatment

Over 24 months, 22 patients with intrahepatic abscesses were diagnosed by sonography. The sonographic appearance of the abscesses was nonspecific and varied from anechoic lesions to highly echogenic solid masses. Septations, fluid-fluid interfaces, and debris were also observed. In 19 of 22 patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by needle aspiration. Subsequently, 12 patients were treated with percutaneous catheter drainage; in 10 patients this therapy obviated the need for further surgery.