Dynamic CT features of hepatic abscesses

Abstract 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 :①In the early phase(30s),abscess membrane en-hanced obviously and the liver parenchyma surrounding the abscesses enhanced transiently;②In the late phase(60-90s),the enhancement patternms of the abscesses varied from the ring enhancement of the abscess membrane to the irregular enhancement of the abscess;③In 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.