Differential diagnosis of pulmonary abscess with CT

Objective To study CT signs of pulmonary abscess and to investigate its value on differential diagnosis.Methods The CT and X-ray data collected from 66 patients with clinically proved pulmonary abscess were analyzed retrospectively.Results Main CT appearances of pulmonary abscess were summarized as follows:(1) Gas-fluid plane was frequently found in the abscess adjacent pulmonary hilum even if it was smaller,and its inner wall could be irregular.(2)Central liquefaction necrosis was formed earlier in the peripheral abscess,which appeared low-density shadow on CT.The inner wall of cavity was usually smooth and gas-fluid plane was not frequently seen.(3) Their outer walls usually had cog-like or hair-like outlook,and their margins were unclear.(4) Extensive pleural thickening was frequently found in the peripheral lesions.(5) All the abscesses were absorbed to smaller after regular anti-infectious treatment.Conclusion CT plays an important role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pulmonary abscess.