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Hepatic abscesses: MR imaging findings
R J Méndez1, M L Schiebler, E K Outwater
1Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Radiology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging helps characterize hepatic abscesses. Key findings include high T2-weighted signal intensity and rim enhancement after gadopentetate dimeglumine injection.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Hepatic abscesses are collections of pus within the liver.
- Accurate characterization is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features that characterize hepatic abscesses.
- To correlate imaging findings with abscess etiology.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR imaging studies and clinical records of 18 patients with proven hepatic abscesses.
- Analysis of lesion morphology, signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, and enhancement patterns after gadolinium-based contrast administration.
- Categorization of abscesses by etiology: pyogenic, fungal, and amebic.
Main Results:
- 122 lesions were analyzed. Most were round with sharp borders.
- Abscesses typically appeared hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images.
- Post-contrast imaging revealed sharp margins and rim enhancement in most lesions. Perilesional edema was a common finding.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging findings, including high T2 signal intensity and perilesional edema, are characteristic of hepatic abscesses.
- Gadopentetate dimeglumine administration enhances lesion conspicuity and demonstrates rim enhancement, aiding diagnosis.
- MR imaging is a valuable tool for diagnosing and characterizing hepatic abscesses.