Dynamic enhanced CT features of hepatic abscesses

Objective To investigate the dynamic enhanced CT appearance of hepatic abscesses.Methods CT films of 62 cases of hepatic abscesses,examined by both plain and enhanced CT scans,were reviewed retrospectively.Of the 62 cases,23 were examined by dynamic CT scan.Results The dynamic CT appearance of hepatic abscesses was characterized by:(1)In the early phase(30sec),abscess membrane enhanced obviously and the liver parenchyma surrounding the abscesses enhanced transiently;(2)In the late phase(60～90 sec),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 that 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 for the diagnosis of atypical hepatic abscesses.