Hepatic abscess caused by Salmonella typhi: diagnosis and management by percutaneous echo-guided needle aspiration

Three cases of liver abscesses due to Salmonella typhi (2 solitary, 1 with double localization in the right lobe) are described in which specific diagnosis was based on percutaneous echo-guided aspiration of the lesions. Haemocultures and coprocultures were negative, in all cases, and pus-cultures of aspirated material from cavities grew Salmonella typhi; Widal became significantly positive only in one patient 15 days after discharge. Percutaneous needle drainage, combined with chloramphenicol therapy, was successfully performed under echo guidance; only in one case was a second aspiration needed three days after the first one. Fever disappeared within 48-72 hours after drainage of the abscess. No complications or side-effects were observed.