CT differentiation of subphrenic abscess and pleural effusion

Journal Article · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1982 · AJR, Am. J. Roentgenol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.140.1.47· OSTI ID:5466006

Alexander, E S; Proto, A V; Clark, R A

The computed tomographic scans of 38 patients with proven subphrenic abscesses and 28 patients with proven pleural effusions were reviewed without knowledge of the final diagnosis. In 26% of cases the hemidiaphragm could be identified directly as a stripe, while in 71% of cases only the hemidiaphragmatic contour could be seen. In 3% of cases the hemidiaphragm position was indeterminate because insufficient scans of the chest or abdomen were obtained. In the cases where the hemidiaphragm position could be established, the computed tomographic diagnosis was correct in 100% of subphrenic abscesses and in 96% of pleural effusions. Methods of identifying the hemidiaphragm on computed tomography and the possible pitfalls are discussed.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH
• OSTI ID: 5466006
• Journal Information: AJR, Am. J. Roentgenol.; (United States), Journal Name: AJR, Am. J. Roentgenol.; (United States) Vol. 140:1; ISSN AAJRD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550602* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Diagnostics-- (1980-)
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ABSCESSES
BODY
BODY AREAS
CHEST
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
DIAGNOSIS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DIAPHRAGM
LUNGS
MEMBRANES
MUSCLES
ORGANS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PATIENTS
PLEURA
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SEROUS MEMBRANES
TOMOGRAPHY