Ultrasound and CT Findings of Hepatic Amebic Abscess

A series of 35 patients who had hepatic amebic abscess was presented. Thirty-six sonograms in 27 patients and 27 computed tomographic (CT) scans in 23 patients were reviewed. Abnormalities were detected in all cases. The imaging appearance of the lesions varied from well-defined, rounded cavities to ill-defined borders with heterogeneous content, indistinguishable from other hepatic abscesses or even neoplasms. The most common ultrasonographic finding was a well-defined homogeneous hypoechoic lesion with posterior enhancement in the peripheral portion of liver parenchyma. The most common CT finding was a well-defined cystic lesion with nodularity or mild septation of wall. No gas was present in these lesions. A peripheral hypodense rim was seen in 22%. However, no pathognomonic sign of amebic liver abscess could be found on CT.