In this radiology teaching case, we review a contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis in a patient presenting with fever and abdominal pain. Imaging demonstrates a large 16 cm multiloculated lesion within the liver composed of multiple fluid collections with surrounding inflammatory change.
When multiple cystic or fluid-filled spaces are seen within a hepatic lesion, a hepatic abscess should be strongly considered rather than a solid hepatic mass, particularly in the appropriate clinical context. In this case, the abscess likely developed due to bacterial seeding associated with non-sterile injection practices.
Several imaging patterns have been described in hepatic abscesses, including the cluster sign, honeycomb sign, and petal sign, which reflect multiloculated collections that may coalesce into a larger cavity. Recognizing these patterns can help differentiate abscesses from other hepatic lesions.
This video reviews the CT findings and key imaging features that suggest hepatic abscess in patients presenting with fever and abdominal pain.
This content is intended for radiology residents, medical students, and clinicians interested in abdominal imaging.
#foamrad
#meded
#radiology
#methamphetamine
#radres
