CT diagnosis of early pyogenic hepatic abscess

Objective:To analyse the CT features of early pyogenic hepatic abscess during different stages of patho- logy and improve the accuracy of CT diagnosis.Methods:The CT appearances of 12 cases of hepatic abscess proved by surgery or other clinical methods were retrospectively analysed and compared with CT findings of cavernous hemangiomas or hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatic metastases.Results:Plain CT demonstrated nonspecific features of early pyogenic hepatic abscess such as homogenous or inhomogeneous lower density.The enhancement features of the abscess varied with different stages,displayed as ①patchy enhancement;②fine netwire sign;③honeycomb sign;④cluster sign;⑤prolonged enhancement with decrease of the extent.Conclusion:Enhanced CT scanning with delayed scanning of liver are very helpful to improve accuracy of the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of early pyogenic hepatic abscess.