CHANGES IN INTRAHEPATIC PORTAL HEMODYNAMIC IN EARLY-STAGE HEPATIC-ABSCESSES

Color Doppler sonography was used to investigate the changes in intrah epatic portal hemodynamics in early stage hepatic abscesses (21 lesion s). At time of patients' admission, 10 lesions measuring over 6 cm sho wed reverse flow from at least one of their corresponding segmental po rtal branches, but 11 lesions measuring 6 cm or less did not show this phenomenon. All portal branches with reverse flow eventually returned to a normal direction of flow after successful medication. In conclus ion, a large early stage hepatic abscess may show temporary reverse po rtal flow on color imaging. Thus, a differential diagnosis of hepatic tumors with reverse portal flow should include early stage hepatic abs cesses.