MICROABSCESSES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN IN AIDS - DETECTION WITH 5-MHZSONOGRAPHY

PURPOSE: To determine whether sonograms of the liver and spleen, obtai ned with 5-MHz linear-array transducers, aid in detection of hepatospl enic microabscesses in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrom e (AIDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Abdominal sonographic examinations (n = 111) were performed in 102 consecutive patients with AIDS. A 3.5-MH z sector transducer was used in each study, with additional images of the hepatic and splenic parenchyma obtained with a 5-MHz linear-array transducer. Each study was reviewed without benefit of the 5-MHz image s, and categories of the hepatic and splenic parenchyma were as follow s: 1, lesions definitely present; 2, lesions possibly present and 3, l esions absent. The 5-MHz images were subsequently reviewed, and studie s were recategorized. Findings were correlated with results of patholo gic examination. RESULTS: The 5-MHz scans enabled identification of fo cal hepatic or splenic lesions in 14 of 96 studies placed in category 2 or 3 on the basis of the 3.5-MHz sector scans. CONCLUSION: In patien ts with AIDS, 5-MHz sonograms of the liver and spleen enable detection of microabscesses not confidently identified on 3.5-MHz scans.