Diagnosis and percutaneous drainage of a perinephric abscess by ultrasound and fluoroscopy

We describe 3 patients with perinephric abscesses in whom the perinephric fluid collections were identified by ultrasonic examination. In 2 cases thin needle aspiration of these collections using sonographic guidance provided the preoperative diagnosis. Percutaneous tube drainage under ultrasound and fluoroscopy was used successfully in 1 patient whose medical condition precluded surgical drainage. We recommend that percutaneous drainage be considered in severely ill patients with perinephric abscesses.