Contrast-Enhanced Sonographic Drainage Control: A Feasibility Study

Liver abscesses still represent a life-threatening disease. Interventional abscess puncture and/or drainage are often the most adequate treatment. The aim of our study was the evaluation of drainage control with contrast-enhanced sonography. We included 15 patients in our feasibility study, three of whom had infected liver cysts, three had abscesses after liver resection or transplantation, six had intrahepatic abscesses and three had abscesses of other localisations. For drainage control with contrast-enhanced sonography we administered 1 mL of the contrast agent SonoVue (R) (Bracco, Germany) diluted in 10 mL of 0.9% of NaCl through the indwelling drainage or an 18-G Chiba needle. A total of 28 sonographic controlled examinations was performed. The position of the drainage, as well as the size of the abscess itself could be demonstrated in all cases. Furthermore, possible septs or the communication of different abscess regions could be seen. Drainage remained in position for an average of 13.3 days. Assessment of drainage position and size of the abscess region is of clinical relevance. The main advantages of the described examination with contrast-enhanced sonography are the lack of radiation and the low costs due to the small amount of contrast medium used.