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Computed tomography in the evaluation of abdominal abscesses
American Journal of Surgery
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) is accurate for diagnosing abscesses in patients. Correlating CT findings with clinical history aids diagnosis, with imaging or aspiration confirming cases not requiring surgery.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Abscess diagnosis can be challenging.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing abscesses.
- To assess the role of CT in differentiating inflammatory masses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from 50 patients with suspected abscesses.
- Analysis of CT findings, including demarcation and contrast enhancement.
- Correlation of imaging results with clinical history.
Main Results:
- CT accurately identified abscesses in most cases, typically appearing as sharply demarcated masses.
- Contrast enhancement of the abscess rim was observed in approximately 35% of patients.
- Six patients presented with inflammatory masses exhibiting ill-defined borders.
Conclusions:
- Computed tomography is a reliable tool for abscess diagnosis when findings are correlated with clinical history.
- In cases not requiring surgery, CT or ultrasound-guided needle aspiration can confirm the diagnosis.
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