• A Abdelouafi, A Ousehal, L Ouzidane, and R Kadiri.
• Service Central de Radiologie, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc.
• Ann Radiol (Paris). 1993 Jan 1; 36 (4): 286-92.

AbstractA retrospective series of 32 cases of hepatic abscess was collected in the radiology department of Ibn Roch University Hospital (Casablanca), over a period of 43 months (May 1989-September 1992). Among these 32 cases, 16 were amebic (based on the dysenteric syndrome and especially positive amebic serology) and 16 had pyogenic causes. All patients underwent ultrasound examinations. Only two cases had CT scan. The confirmation of the hepatic abscess was made by ultrasound guided percutaneous aspiration in 30 cases and laparotomy in 2 cases. The right lobe was concerned in all cases. The pyogenic abscesses were multiple in 62.5% cases, while the amebic abscesses were double in only one case. The amebic abscesses were larger than the pyogenic ones. The average volume was respectively 10.5 cm and 7 cm. Three ultrasound aspects were found. Hypoechogenic aspect was the most frequent (76% of amebic abscesses and 61% of pyogenic abscesses). The heterogenic aspect was found in 21% of amebic abscesses and in 36% of pyogenic abscesses. The anechogenic aspect was found in only one case of pyogenic abscess. A light and regular wall was found in 70% of amebic abscesses and in 51% of pyogenic abscesses. Referring to the literature, the various ultrasound signs of orientation towards an amebic or pyogenic etiology were found in this series, but we emphasize the very important role of ultrasound-guided percutaneous aspiration and amebic serology for the etiological diagnosis of hepatic abscess.

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