Ultrasound Imaging of Hepatic Amebic Abscess

Abstract

The hepatic amebic abscess is the most frequent form of extraintestinal invasive amebiasis. Although the prevalence of amebiasis is relatively low in developed countries, it is considered a worldwide health problem. The sonographic findings reflect the anatomic pathologic features of the abscess. A wide range of findings are present depending on the clinical stage of the disease and its treatment. The most characteristic sonographic appearance includes a necrotic lesion, seen as an ovoid or round sonolucent lesion with increased through transmission. Differential diagnosis includes mainly hepatic abscesses of other etiologies. Ultrasound is an ideal method of examination because of the low cost and widespread availability, and also for the management of the disease by guiding drainage placement or diagnostic/therapeutic aspiration. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are reserved for selected cases of difficult diagnosis with inconclusive ultrasound examination.