CT Findings of Perihepatic Tuberculous Abscess

Ryu, Jeong Ah; Lee, Jong Tae; Park, Su Mi; Kim, Myeong Jin; Yoo, Hyung Sik

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the CT findings of perihepatic tuberculous abscesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT scans of 11 patients (6 females and 5 males) with 14 pathologically proven perihepatic tuberculous abscess were retrospectively evaluated in terms of the morphological characteristics of the abscesses and changes in other abdominal organs and at other sites. RESULTS: A total of 14 absceses were noted in 11 patients. Six (43%) were in the right subphrenic space, three(21%) in the right perihepatic space, three (21 %) in the left subphrenic space, and two (14%) in the left perihepatic space. The right side was predominant. The abscesses ranged in size from 1 to 10 (mean, 5) cm in diameter, with a wall thickness of 2 - 7 (mean, 3) mm. Of the 14 abscesses, 13 were oval, and one spherical. CT findings were as follows: a smooth abscess margin with even wall thickness in seven of the eleven patients (64%); calcification of the wall in two (18%) ; internal septa in seven (64 %) ; localized fluid collection in nine (82%) ; lymphadenopathy in five (45 %) ; and peritoneal enhancement in seven (64%). Lesions suggesting tuberculous infection coexisted at other sites in eight patients. These included the lung in six patients (55%) , the neck in three (27 %), an axilla in two (18 %), the liver in two (18 %), the spleen in one (9 %), and the gastroin-testinal tract in one (9%). CONCLUSION: CT scanning is useful for establishing the diagnosis of perihepatic tuberculous abscesses by evaluating the morphological characteristics of the mass and by observing changes in other abdominal organs and at other sites.