Hypoechogenic Mass Research Articles

Prenatal diagnosis of varix of the fetal intraabdominal umbilical vein: Case report

Varix of intraabdominal part of fetal umbilical vein is during a prenatal ultrasound scan seen as a hypoechogenic mass between anterior abdominal wall and lower edge of liver, and the diagnosis is confirmed when blood flow is seen during color Doppler examination. A case of prenatal diagnosis of this abnormality is presented, with review of contemporary literature regarding diagnosis and management as well as the outcome of such pregnancies.

Primary cavernous hemangioma of thyroid gland

We report a case of cavernous hemangioma presenting as a case of solitary nodule of thyroid.A 25-year-old male presented with a slowly growing solitary swelling in front of neck of 16 years duration. There was no history of pain over the swelling, change in voice or dyspnea. On clinical examination, a 6 × 4 cm irregular, hard, freely mobile swelling could be felt in the thyroid region. Ultrasonography (USG) showed a single hypoechogenic mass in the left lobe of the thyroid with coarse calcifications. X-ray of neck also showed coarse calcifications [Figure 1]. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a heterogeneously enhancing mass of 4.9 × 4.4 cm diameter in the left lobe of the thyroid deviating the trachea to the right. Multiple dense calcific densities were noted in the nodule [Figure 2]. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the mass was attempted twice but was inconclusive and only blood could be aspirated. The patient was euthyroid and showed no signs of local spread or lymphadenopathy. Surgery in the form of left hemithyroidectomy was done. Peroperatively, tumor mass was found to be hard in consistency and well encapsulated. Gross pathology showed a well-circumscribed nodule with hemorrhagic and calcified areas. On histopathology, nodule was divided into multiple lobules with areas of hemorrhage, fibrosis, hyalinization and calcifications. Some of these calcifications were located in dilated vessels and classical cavernous vascular spaces could be seen [Figure 3]. A diagnosis of primary intrathyroid cavernous hemangioma was made.Lesions similar to hemangiomas secondary to FNAC have been reported. These have been ascribed to vascular proliferation in organized hematoma following the FNAC leading to a histological resemblance to cavernous hemangioma.

Diagnosis of close injury and neoplasm of the brachial plexus by ultrasonography

Objective To evaluate the application of high-frequency ultrasonography in the diagnosis of close injury and neoplasm of the brachial plexus.Methods The brachial plexus in 12 healthy volunteers,6 patients with suspected brachial plexus close injury,and 3 patients with brachial plexus neoplasm were observed and examined by high-frequency ultrasonography.The ultrasound images of the patients were also compared with the intraopemtive findings.Results The interscalenus space and subclavian artery were useful anatomic landmarks for mapping of the bmchial plexus.The normal brachial plexus appears as tubular acrogenic structure with parallel linear echoes on long axis views,and as a round echogenic structure with punctiform echoes on transverse scans.In normal subjects,the detection rate of C_(5-7) nerve roots and the upper and middle trunks was 100%(12/12),while the detection rate of the lower trunk was 83.3%(10/12).In 6 patients with close injury of the braehial plexus,nerves were seen partly dissected and swelling with indistinct inner structures.In 3 patients with neoplasm of the brachial plexus,the tumors were visualized as hypoechogenic masses with inner color Doppler blood flow signals and connecting with linear echoes of the brachial plexus.Two of 3 patients were first diagnosed by ultrasonography.Conclusions High-frequency ultrasonography is of geat value in noninvasive diagnosis of brachial plexus close injury and neoplasm.

Aspergillus mediastinitis diagnosed by EUS-guided FNA

View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image A 57-year-old woman with acute myelomonocytic leukemia developed aplastic anemia after systemic chemotherapy and was admitted because of septic shock. Blood cultures grew Escherichia coli, which was treated successfully with broad-spectrum antibiotics; however, fever persisted and she developed new-onset chest pain. Multiple chest films showed normal results, but a CT scan of the chest showed 3 hypodense lesions suggestive of mediastinal abscesses; 1 of the lesions was located in the posterior mediastinum (A, B). EUS demonstrated an amorphous hypoechogenic mass 2 cm above the tracheal carina, between the esophagus and the right pleura (C). EUS-guided FNA was performed and purulent material was obtained, which demonstrated the presence of numerous filamentous, septated hyphae (D, H&E, orig. mag. ×20). Concomitantly, serum Aspergillus galactomannan antigen was detected. Therapy with caspofungin and amphotericin B was prescribed for 3 months, with complete resolution of the infection. View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image

Inclusions surrénaliennes intratesticulaires : place de l’imagerie

Testicular adrenal rests are encountered in ACTH hypersecretion syndromes, most often in congenital adrenal hyperplasia attributable to a deficit in 21-hydroxylase. They are discovered clinically or on systematic sonography, generally in the young adult. On sonography, they appear as confluent hypoechogenic masses, often bilateral, that have developed in the region of the testicular hilum. At a late stage, they take on a highly suggestive attenuating aspect. In color Doppler, they have a regular vascular architecture. They generally regress or stabilize with replacement glucocorticosteroid treatment. They can sometimes progress, which then poses the problem of the type of lesion. Biopsy or spermatic vein samples are not reliable. MRI contributes very little more than sonography. Diagnosis comes with follow-up or, as a last resort, orchidectomy.

Huge Pericardial Hemangioma Imaging

A 37-year-old healthy woman presented to our emergency department because of episodes of palpitation and syncope. Her general physical examination was unremarkable. The x-ray of her chest was normal except for bulging near the left border of her heart (Figure 1). Her ECG exhibited sinus tachycardia and short runs of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Consequently, the patient was admitted to the cardiology intensive care unit for further investigation. Transthoracic echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram showed a large, rounded, extracardiac hypoechogenic mass within the posterosuperior portion of the heart (Figure 2A). Further evaluation of the mass was performed by cardiac computed tomography angiography using 64-row multidetector computed tomography. Cardiac computed tomography angiography revealed a large, hypodense, epicardial solid mass (9×6×6 cm) with small central areas of enhancement. The mass was located posteriorly to the right ventricle outflow tract and ascending aorta, at the level of the left coronary sinus of Valsalva, causing compression and displacement of the left atrium and the left superior pulmonary vein. In addition, …

Autoimmune pancreatitis associated with anisakis infection

A 67-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes mellitus of seven ears duration presented with persistent epigastric pain of mild ntensity, decompensated diabetes and diarrhoea of 7 months uration; he was afebrile. At physical examination, the epigastric ain increased at palpation. Laboratory values were normal xcept for hyperglycemia, eosinophilia (leucocytes 6.74× 103/ L, osinophils 8.6%) and a total IgE of 206 kU/L (reference limit 100). Autoantibodies were not detectable. Faecal fat excretion as clearly abnormal (12 g/24 h). Computed tomographic scan evealed a small mass on the head of the pancreas; endoscopic ltrasonography confirmed a hypoechogenic pancreatic mass of 3 mm× 12 mm in diameter. The common bile duct and the main ancreatic duct were normal; cytology examination, unfortunately, evealed only rare leukocytes. A surgical exploration was planned ue to the suspicion of pancreatic cancer [1] or the presence of osinophilic autoimmune pancreatitis [2,3]. During the operation, a mall mass in the gastric antrum was also found, a pancreaticoduoenectomy with partial gastrectomy was performed. Histological xamination of the pancreatic resection specimen showed a picture ompatible with autoimmune pancreatitis (presence of small ymphocytes together with duct destructive pancreatitis) (Fig. A). he gross appearance of the gastric specimen showed the presence

Superior vena cava syndrome from an intracardiac non‐Hodgkin lymphoma

A 75-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of dyspnoea, non-pulsatile neck vein distension and oedema of the neck, upper thorax and arms. A colour-Doppler echocardiogram revealed thin, laminar, high-velocity blood flow surrounding an echo-free ovular hypo-echogenic mass (4.1 cm · 6.1 cm) within an enlarged right atrium. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan performed before intravenous contrast medium injection (top left) showed right pleural (arrow) and pericardial effusions (asterisk), and partial collapse of the right middle and inferior pulmonary lobes (arrowheads). A CT study with contrast medium (top right, bottom panels) showed enlargement of the right atrium (RA) with a solid, homogeneous mass (M) of about 7 cm that occupied almost the whole RA, and protruded toward the tricuspid valve (bottom left) and the ostium of the superior vena cava (SVC). Collateral vein circuits, tributary of the azygos vein, were also evident along the anterior and posterior thoracic walls (top right and bottom left, white and black arrows). The SVC showed a hypo-dense aspect during the angiographic CT phase (top right, arrowhead) suggestive of occlusion, but this was excluded by a delayed CT scan that showed patency of the vessel (bottom right, arrowhead). The patient underwent urgent cardiac surgery with removal of the tumour and pericardial reconstruction. Histological examination showed a diffuse high grade B-cell lymphoma invading the adjacent myocardium. The patient’s clinical condition improved significantly after surgery, and she is currently undergoing chemotherapy. SVC syndrome most commonly results from a tumour infiltration or extrinsic compression of the vein. We observed a rare case of SVC syndrome caused by a large intracardiac non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (Ao, aorta; LPa, left pulmonary artery; LV, left ventricle; RPa, right pulmonary artery; RV, right ventricle.)

Thyroïde ectopique

Ectopic thyroid is defined as thyroid tissue not located anterolaterally between the second and the fourth tracheal cartilage. This anomalous localization results from abnormal embryologic development and/or migration of the gland. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the role of imaging in the preoperative evaluation of ectopic thyroid. A 13-year-old girl with no other significant medical history, consulted for dysphonia, fullness in the throat and breathing difficulties. Examination of the oral cavity and oropharynx showed a large mass attached to the base of the tongue, the mass was evaluated by ultrasanography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy. Ultrasound sonography showed a well-defined hypoechogenic mass in the posterior end of the tongue. Scintigraphy showed hyperfixation at the base of the tongue with no fixation in the normal thyroid site. Computed tomography scan revealed a spontaneously hyperdense spherical basilingual mass with a high enhancement after contrast injection. In MRI, the mass was isointense with the muscle in T1-weighted images and hyperintense in T2 weighted images. Ectopic thyroid must be evoked in the presence of any basilangual mass. Scintigraphy and ultrasanography are gold standard in demonstration the ectopic thyroid tissue. But computed tomography and MRI playing an increasingly important role in the diagnosis, in determination of the malignant transformation and planning the surgical approach.

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of congenital perineal skin tag: case report and review of the literature

Skin tags, or acrochordons, are benign, soft, fleshy tumors that are composed of hyperplastic epidermis covering a dermal connective tissue stalk. Case report of a congenital perineal skin tag that presented as a perineal tumor during second-trimester sonographic scan at 23 weeks' gestation. Literature review of the medical literature using Pubmed(R) and the search terms acrochordon, fibroepithelial polyp (FEP), and skin tag. Routine midtrimester targeted organ scanning at 23 weeks' gestation revealed a 5-mm hypoechogenic elongated mass in the perineal area of the fetus. The lesion progressed to twice that size by 36 weeks. Detailed anatomy scan of the fetus was unremarkable, and amniocentesis demonstrated normal karyotype. The mother developed spontaneous labor at 38 weeks' gestation and delivered a phenotypically normal girl with a round smooth mass in the perineal area. The lesion was removed; pathologic examination revealed a lipomatous skin tag. Literature review showed skin tags associated with different medical conditions. To the best of our knowledge, no prenatally diagnosed cases of this lesion on the fetal perineum have been published. In the present case, this was an innocuous finding.

A case of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas

We present ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in a case with pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor and their correlations with histopathology. Ultrasound revealed a hypoechogenic mass, and computed tomography revealed a hypodense mass at the pancreatic head minimally enhanced after intravenous contrast agent administration. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a hypointense mass on unenhanced T1-weighted images including a hyperintense focus representing the hemorrhage. The lesion was hyperintense on T2-weighted images. On the postcontrast images the lesion showed peripheral thin contrast enhancement in arterial phase and enhanced slightly diffusely in venous and equilibrium phases. The patient underwent elective resection of the mass and pancreatoduodenectomy with jejunostomy tube placement. A final diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor was made histopathologically. Solid pseudopapillary tumor is a rare pancreatic tumor. It is important to make the diagnosis preoperatively because with an adequate surgical resection the prognosis is good. A multimodalitary approach, especially magnetic resonance imaging can suggest the diagnosis without the need for biopsy.

Transendoscopic miniprobe and cardial stenosis

chronic bronchitis, heartburn, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and prostatic hypertrophy presents to hospital for assessment of dysphagia to both solids and liquids. He is endoscopically diagnosed with distal esophageal stenosis with cardial-level ulceration, which suggests a reflux-related peptic lesion with negative biopsies; an initial dilation using bougies is attempted. A month later a new dilation for restenosis is performed, and further endoscopic biopsies still showed no malignity. He was admitted for severe cardial stenosis assessment. Echoendoscopy using a 12.5 MHz (2 mm in diameter, less than 30 mm in penetration) miniprobe within the distal esophagus detected a round though asymmetric, submucosal hypoechogenic mass (arrows) involving the submucosal and muscularis propria layers (linitis-type carcinoma), or the muscularis propria layer (leiomyosarcoma) with no adenopathies (Fig. 1). With this information, both a computerized tomographic (CT) scan and an endoscopy were performed. The CT scan showed a mass suggestive of distal esophageal neoplasm. Videogastroscopy demonstrated a stenotic area that did not allow the endoscope through. It was dilated using bougies 7 mm and 10.5 mm in diameter. Biopsies performed still were repeatedly negative. A surgical procedure is decided upon, and an intrathoracic esophago-gastrectomy and left lateral thoracotomy is carried out, with a diagnosis of cardial neoplasm with esophageal involvement. Pathology offered a diagnosis of intestinal-type cardial adenocarcinoma (Fig. 2) infiltrating the whole of the gastric wall and involving the submucosal, muscularis, and periesophageal fat layers. Perineural, vascular, and lymphatic involvement was extensive. Adenocarcinoma metastases were seen in 1/21 resected lymph nodes. pT3-N1-M0. Cases of tumor-related pseudoachalasia have been recently reported in our country (1,2). The authors state that “endoscopy must be the technique of choice for the early diagnosis of tumor-related pseudoachalasia in patients under assessment for suspected primary esophageal motor disorder” (3). Transendoscopic miniprobe and cardial stenosis

Perforating colonic duplication as rare cause of renal abscess in children

Renal abscess is uncommon in children. In a few cases, ascending infection and/or hematogenous spread have been outlined as pathophysiologic mechanisms in published studies. We report on a 7-month-old female infant who was hospitalized with a high fever. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechogenic mass in the left kidney. The diagnosis of a renal abscess was confirmed by computed tomography. Because antibiotic treatment had only a transient effect, an open operative procedure was performed. Intraoperatively, a perforating colonic duplication with broad contact to the kidney was found that had destroyed major parts of the kidney’s parenchyma. After nephrectomy and complete resection of the colonic duplication, the patient recovered uneventfully.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrometrocolpos secondary to a cloacal anomaly by magnetic resonance imaging

Fetal female urogenital anomalies are often difficult to evaluate by ultrasonography, especially in late gestation. We report a case of fetal hydrometrocolpos detected at 35 weeks of gestation. Ultrasonography revealed a large retrovesical septate hypoechogenic mass in the fetal abdomen, however the sonographic findings were inconclusive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed that the abdominal mass was fluid-filled with a mid-plane septum in the midline posterior to the bladder, and showed a connection to the dilated uterus that was duplicated. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of hydrometrocolpos with septate vagina and uterus didelphys. The neonate showed abdominal distension, ambiguous genitalia and anal atresia with a single perineal opening. Hydrometrocolpos was secondary to a urethral type of cloacal anomaly. Aspiration of the mass and a colostomy were performed on the first postnatal day, followed by anorectoplasty at 19 months of age. MRI is a useful complementary tool for assessing fetal urogenital anomalies when ultrasonography is inconclusive.

Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy for a Hemangioma of the Spleen

We report the first successful laparoscopic segmentary splenectomy for a spleen neoplasm in pediatrics. Splenic hemangioma is a rare disorder, but remains the most common benign neoplasm of the spleen. The diagnosis is most often made after histological findings of a resected solid spleen tumor. A 2-year-old male presented with recurrent abdominal pain. Ultrasonography and CT showed a hypoechogenic mass involving the spleen pedicle. A laparoscopic approach showed a solid tumor in the lower pole of the spleen extending up to the main vessels. We used four ports: an umbilical 10 mm port for the lens; one in the left lower quadrant 5 mm for the surgeon's right hand; one epigastric 5 mm for retraction and suction; and one 5 mm in the midline, between the umbilicus and the epigastric port, for the surgeon's left hand. The bipolar vessel sealing system was used successfully as the primary method for vessel occlusion. Approaching the upper border of the tumor, we found a splenic upper pole vascular pedicle which was preserved. Transection of the splenic tissue was completed using a monopolar hook and the bipolar vessel-sealing device, following signs of ischemia on the surface of the spleen. The resected spleen was extracted in a bag through a small Pffannestiel incision. Operative time was 75 minutes. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. Histologic exam showed a capillary hemangioma. Doppler ultrasound indicates blood supply has been preserved to the residual spleen at 5 months followup. This is the second splenic solid tumor treated by laparoscopy in our institution, and the first successfully resected, preserving splenic tissue. The type of vascular supply and the use of the bipolar system device made a safe and bloodless segmentary splenectomy possible.

Pancréatites inflammatoires

Inflammatory pancreatitis refers to those pancreatic lesions that can occur with some autoimmune diseases, with an eosinophilic infiltration, during infection by Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and following abdominal radiotherapy. Differences exist between their specific clinical, biological, radiological, and histological patterns and those of the calcifying chronic pancreatitis; such differences must be taken into account for ensuring adequate therapy. Most of the time, autoimmune pancreatitis appears as a hypo-echogenic mass, hypo-attenuated on CT scans, hypo-intense on T1 weighted images, hyper-intense on T2, with a late enhancement after injection. Ductal changes are irregular stenoses only causing moderate upstream dilatation. Diagnosis is based on histological examination, showing a periductal inflammatory infiltration, constituted, in particular, of T lymphocytes. Eosinophilic pancreatitis is a histo-pathologically diagnosed pseudo-tumoral mass occurring in an atopic context, with increased IgEs. Both pancreatitis need corticoid-based therapy. Patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome may develop pancreatic damages, acute most of the time, but also chronic and with ductal modifications and a pancreatic fibrosis of unknown aetiology to date. Finally, abdominal radiotherapy may cause chronic pancreatitis, occurring several years following the irradiation.

FALSELY INCREASED β-HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN WITH A TESTICULAR EPIDERMOID CYST

A 20-year-old man had a 1-week history of a painless right testicular mass noticed on self-examination. He had no history of cryptorchidism or diethylstilbestrol exposure in utero and no family history of genitourinary malignancy. Physical examination was significant only for a 1 cm. nontender nodule in the superior pole of the right testicle. Ultrasound revealed a hypoechogenic mass with an echogenic rim and internal foci of hyperechogenicity, consistent with an epidermoid cyst (see figure). Color Doppler showed rim enhancement with minimal enhancement in the mass. Serum -HCG via immunoassay was 40 mIU/ml. (normal less than 2). Repeat assay was the same and -fetoprotein and lactic dehydrogenase were normal. The increased -HCG and a testicular mass suggested germ cell testicular tumor. Right radical inguinal orchiectomy was performed. The mass was 1.2 1.0 0.9 cm. and cystic, with yellow hard necrotic contents. Microscopic sections revealed stratified squamous epithelium with keratinization and no nuclear atypia or teratomatous components. Diagnosis was epidermoid cyst. Postoperative serum -HCG was unchanged from preoperative testing, and serum luteinizing hormone, folliclestimulating hormone and prolactin were normal. Chest and abdominal computerized tomography was negative for lymphadenopathy. Repeat serum -HCG 2 weeks postoperatively remained increased at 36 mIU/ml. In consultation with the pathologist, the -HCG immunoassay was repeated with addition of bovine serum to the specimen (to bind confounding heterophile antibodies), and revealed normal -HCG, indicating that the falsely increased -HCG level was due to the abnormal antibodies.

RENAL TUMOR-LIKE PYONEPHROSIS WITH FOREIGN BODY

We report on a male patient who underwent abdominal ultrasound examination because of another disease. Ultrasonography showed a left renal mass, which was suspicious of renal tumor. Computerized tomography (CT) confirmed the suspicion. Nephrectomy was performed. The removed kidney was pyonephrotic and a foreign body was found in the collecting system. The foreign body had been in the kidney for 36 years. The patient had not had any symptoms for more than 3 decades. To our knowledge we report the first case of this kind. CASE REPORT A 56-year-old man was treated for anterior wall myocardial infarction. During treatment an abdominal ultrasound examination showed a 10 cm. hypoechogenic mass with central hyperechogenic structures in the upper pole of the left kidney. CT revealed a well-defined 10 cm. cystic lesion occupying the upper half of the left kidney. The mass had a chunky wall and cystic structures with smaller and bigger calcifications inside them (fig. 1). The structure of the lower half was normal and it had good excretion without dilatation of the collecting system. Renal tumor was strongly suspected. In 1963 the patient had undergone pyeloplasty due to a ureteropelvic junction stricture. According to the report of the operation ,a2t o 3c m.segment of the ureter was resected and a new anastomosis was performed with stenting of the ureter and placement of a transrenal drain. The patient had an acute myocardial infarction in 1998 and 1999. He did not have any voiding symptoms and only slight blunt loin pain, which was thought to be related to rheumatical origin. Fever and loss of body weight were not noted. Physical examination did not reveal any abnormality. Red blood count was 4.3 mmol./L., homozygous typing cells were 0.39, white blood count was 7.0 3 10 9 /l., platelets were 181 10 9 /l., urea was 59 mmol./l. and creatinine was 78 mmol./l., which were all normal. After a complete examination, exploration was performed. The retroperitoneum was explored via a lumbar incision. The fetal head-like kidney was mobilized from its surrounding scarred tissues. The kidney was removed en bloc with its fatty capsule after ligation of the renal pedicle and ureter. After the operation, the removed kidney was cut longitudinally. The parenchyma was only in the lower pole, and above it there was a large sack containing thick, yellowish-red pus. Inside the pus, a textile tissue was found (fig. 2). Convalescence was uneventful. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 8. Histological examination demonstrated atrophic renal tissue, chronic interstitial inflammation, scarring in the pelvis and peripelvic fatty tissue, and deteriorated gauze in the collecting system. Postoperatively the patient was symptom-free with no flank pain. Ultrasonography showed normal right kidney and the bed of the left kidney was empty. Laboratory tests were normal. DISCUSSION

Acute suppurative thyroiditis secondary to piriform sinus fistula:: a case report

We present a typical case of acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST), associated with a piriform sinus fistula. We illustrate the case with an ultrasound picture of a hypoechogenic perithyroid mass and a CT scan using intravenous iodine contrast showing a perithyroid hypodense mass with peripheral enhancement, the mass also having intrathyroid involvement. When clinical and radiological findings suggest the presence of AST, it is necessary to rule out the presence of a piriform sinus fistula by means of a radiological study with barium contrast. Piriform sinus fistula is a rare abnormality derived from the branchial arch which is directly related to recurrent episodes of AST; surgical excision is hence, necessary to avoid such episodes.

Les abcès primitifs du psoas chez l'enfant: six cas

Background. - Primary psoas abscess is very rare in childhood; its diagnosis and treatment can be improved by the use of recent imaging techniques. Patients. - Six children, aged 11 months to 10 years (mean: 51 months) were admitted from January 1987 to 15 December 1993 because they suffered mainly from fever, lumbar pain and/or homolateral flexed hip. Examination showed a painful inguinal mass in five patients and hyperleucocytosis in all. X-rays showed disappearance of the external limit of psoas in two patients; ultrasonography showed enlarged psoas in all, associated with hypoechogenic mass in two and without echo in four patients. CT scan showed the abscess in all cases, permitting a needle aspiration for bacteriological studies: Staphycococcus aureus was present in five cases. Drainage of the abscess by CT-guided percutaneous catheter was performed in two patients. Surgical drainage was performed in three including one for whom percutaneous catheter drainage did not succeed. The two other patients were only given antibiotics. Conclusion. - CT-guided needle aspiration to establish presence and nature of fluid collection is a well established technique that may be extended to treatment of psoas abscesses.