title: Computed tomographic detection of gas within spontaneously necrotic tissue.
abstract: Computed tomography (CT) is a widely accepted modality for the detection, localization, and potential therapeutic drainage of abdominal abscesses. The CT demonstration of extraluminal gas within the abdomen usually signifies the presence of an abscess. We report two cases of nonpurulent spontaneous tissue necrosis which simulated a gas containing abscess on CT. The significance of a gas-containing mass detected by CT must be interpreted cautiously since this appearance is not necessarily pathognomonic of a drainable abscess. Confirmation of purulent material within a suspected abscess collection requires documentation by percutaneous aspiration or surgery.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Korobkin
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Halvorsen
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Heaston
authors.forename: O E
authors.initials: OE
authors.lastname: Akwari
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005740:Gases; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D005740:Gases