Ultrasound and computed tomography in the diagnosis and drainage of abscesses and other fluid collections.

The indications, technique and results of percutaneous drainage in 20 patients with abscesses and other fluid collections are presented. Special emphasis is placed on the complementary use of ultrasound and computed tomography and the relative indications for the use of each. Of the 20 patients, 5 had hepatic abscesses, 7 had subphrenic or subhepatic abscesses, 3 had pancreatic pseudocysts and the remaining 5 had loculated fluid collections in either the abdomen or chest.