Computed tomography in the diagnosis and localization of intraabdominal abscesses

Computed tomographic scanning of the abdomen in 50 patients evaluated for suspected intraabdominal abscess resulted in an overall accuracy of 92 percent. It proved the most accurate diagnostic tool in determining the presence of intraabdominal abscess. Computed tomography of the abdomen is a useful diagnostic adjunct to clinical judgment and may assist in localizing intraabdominal abscesses and planning early surgical intervention.