The rim sign in hepatic abscess: case report and review of the literature.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-1997

Abstract

UNLABELLED: We studied a previously healthy patient who presented with a 3-wk history of fever, flu-like symptoms and abdominal pain.

METHODS: Blood cultures were positive for Escherichia coli. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 2-cm low-density focus in the right hepatic lobe. A technetium-99m-mebrofenin scan showed a photopenic area in the right hepatic lobe surrounded by a rim of activity greater than the adjacent parenchymal activity.

RESULTS: Gallbladder visualization was normal and the diagnosis of hepatic abscess was made. CT-guided percutaneous drainage of the lesion yielded six cc of pus, the culture of which grew E. coli, Prevotella and Bacteroides fragilis. Drainage and a 6-wk course of intravenous antibiotics were followed by clinical improvement and resolution of the abscess by CT.

CONCLUSION: The rim sign and its possible mechanism of causation in hepatic abscess are discussed in this report, together with a review of the literature.

Volume

38

Issue

8

First Page

1282

Last Page

1283

ISSN

0161-5505

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

9255167

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

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