Dynamic CT features of hepatic abscesses

Objective: To investigate the features of hepatic abscess by dynamic contrast-enhanced CT. Methods : CT films of 62 cases of hepatic abscesses were reviewed retrospectively. All the patients underwent both plain and enhanced CT scanning, and 23 of them received dynamic CT examination. Results: The dynamic CT appearance of hepatic abscesses was characterized by: ① In the early phase (30 s), abscess membrane enhanced obviously and the liver parenchyma surrounding the abscesses enhanced transiently; ② In the late phase (60-90 s) , the enhancement patterns of the abscesses varied from the ring enhancement of the abscess membrane to the irregular enhancement of the abscess; ③ In the delayed phase, the enhancement of abscess diminished in which the hypodense ring enhanced and became isodense, or the abscess enhanced diffusely and became smaller, the colliquative necrosis area more obvious. Conclusion: Contrast enhanced CT should be used routinely in the evaluation of hepatic abscesses. The dynamic and delayed scan is necessary to diagnose atypical hepatic abscesses.