Abstract
Recently, imaging techniques including ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have allowed accurate detection and diagnosis of focal hepatic infections. Among them, CT is a particularly helpful method for the detection of focal hepatic infections with high sensitivity (more than 95 %). In addition, imaging-guided percutaneous drainage has markedly improved the prognosis of patients with focal hepatic infections and reduced the need for surgery. Focal hepatic infections can subsequently result in the formation of an abscess, which is a localized collection of inflammatory cells and debris with the destruction of hepatic parenchyma. Focal hepatic infections can be caused by bacterial, amebic, fungal, or parasite infections. Although some specific features on US, CT, and MRI may be very helpful for the diagnosis of focal hepatic infections, in many cases, imaging findings alone are not sufficiently characteristic to identify the type of infection and to avoid the need of aspiration or biopsy. Furthermore, epidemiologic and clinical findings still remain strongly helpful for accessing a more accurate diagnosis for focal hepatic infections.
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© 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Lee, Y.J., Kim, Y.H. (2014). Focal Hepatic Infections. In: Choi, B. (eds) Radiology Illustrated: Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Radiology. Radiology Illustrated. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-35825-8_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-35825-8_6
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