Percutaneous management of breast abscesses. An experience of 39 cases

This is a review of our experience with percutaneous drainage by means of needle aspiration or catheter drainage of breast abscesses under ultrasound (US) guidance, and a suggested management algorithm. A retrospective study of the 39 patients (36 women, 3 men; mean age: 28.9 years) with breast abscesses who were treated by percutaneous US-guided procedures over a period of 13 years (1989 to 2002) was carried out. Of the 36 women, 34 were nonlactating and two lactating. Needle aspiration was used in the cases of fluid collections < or = 3 cm and catheter drainage in fluid collections of > 3 cm. Postdrainage care and US evolutive controls were carried out on an outpatient basis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed in masses unresolved after postdrainage. Mammography was performed in patients over 30 years old. In all cases, US examination revealed images of fluid collection. A single needle aspiration was sufficient in 19 cases; 3 patients needed a second aspiration to resolve the breast abscess. A total of 15 cases were resolved by means of percutaneous catheter drainage. In 2 of the 17 patients who underwent catheter drainage, the mass persisted postdrainage; histologic findings showed a chronic abscess requiring surgical intervention in one and a breast carcinoma in the second. Mean follow-up was 8.4 months. Recurrence of breast abscess occurred in 4 patients, and these were resolved by surgical excision. Percutaneous drainage procedures in breast abscesses are a safe and effective alternative to incision and drainage. Needle aspiration is employed in cases of small abscesses and catheter drainage in abscesses larger than 3 cm. Although, in chronic abscesses, the treatment of choice is surgical excision, percutaneous drainage remains as an intermediate therapeutic option.     

超声引导下经皮肝穿刺治疗细菌性肝脓肿的临床价值

目的评价超声引导下经皮肝穿刺治疗细菌性肝脓肿的临床应用价值。方法对临床确诊为细菌性肝脓肿的49例患者进行超声引导下经皮肝穿刺治疗,其中22例行单纯细针抽吸术（抽吸组）,26例行置管引流术（置管组）,1例抽吸术后1周脓腔无明显缩小而行置管引流术（抽吸＋置管组）;同时配合静脉抗炎、全身支持治疗。结果超声引导下经皮肝穿刺细针抽吸或置管引流治疗后,患者体温恢复正常、白细胞计数恢复正常及脓腔消失时间分别为（2.8±0.6）d、（3.2±0.5）d、（14.6±4.2）d。所有患者均无并发症,术后3个月复查超声脓腔均消失,超声引导下经皮肝穿刺治疗细菌性肝脓肿的治愈率为100%。结论超声引导下经皮肝穿刺细针抽吸和置管引流术具有简便经济、创伤小、并发症低、治愈率高等优点,成为细菌性肝脓肿首选治疗方法。     

超声引导下置管引流与穿刺抽吸在肝脓肿治疗中的比较

目的:比较超声引导下穿刺抽吸与置管引流在肝脓肿治疗中优劣。方法:33例置管引流与87例穿刺抽吸两组患者,术后比较体温及白细胞下降至正常的时间,平均住院时间以及并发症。两种方法均同时采用静脉内给抗生素治疗。结果:两组方法在疗效及安全性上无显著差异(包括体温及白细胞降至正常时间,平均住院时间以及并发症)。结论:超声引导下穿刺抽吸或置管引流在治疗肝脓肿的疗效与安全性均无显著差异。     

Prostatic abscess: transrectal color Doppler ultrasonic diagnosis and minimally invasive therapeutic management

The purpose of this study was to analyze the transrectal ultrasound (US), or TRUS, and color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) findings and therapeutic strategies with TRUS-guided procedures in 13 patients with prostatic abscess. Over a period of 6 years, 18 prostatic abscesses were diagnosed in 13 patients (mean age: 59 years). Diagnostic workup included TRUS, analysis of midstream urine, and analysis and culture of abscess fluid for leukocytes and pathogens. These patients were treated either conservatively (for abscess cavities < 1 cm in diameter), or by aspiration or draining procedures (cavities > or = 1 cm). The transrectal CDU findings were correlated to the treatment effects. The predisposing factors were also reviewed. In the 13 patients, the most common clinical symptom and sign were urinary frequency (77%) and pus cell in the midstream urine (92%). Predisposing factors were found in 11 men, with diabetes in 5 of them. In 10 patients, the definitive preinterventional diagnosis was based on the TRUS findings. TRUS with probe palpation demonstrated tiny floating echogenic speckles in the abscess cavity in 4 patients. CDU demonstrated increased color-flow signals at the margin and surrounding tissue of the abscess pockets. Abscesses with poorly defined boundaries had more prominent surrounding color-flow signals and achieved, with relative difficulty, a satisfactory aspiration procedure. Aspiration was done for all 11 abscesses between 1 and 3 cm. A total of 4 larger abscesses (> 3.0 cm) were treated with aspiration or drainage using a 5-French pigtail catheter. No surgical drainage was performed. Transrectal CDU may help in the evaluation of maturity of an abscess pocket. US-guided aspiration with an 18-gauge needle or drainage with a 5-French pigtail catheter significantly shortened the hospital stay.     

Aspiration and injection-based technique for incision and drainage of a sacrococcygeal pilonidal abscess

The incision and drainage of a sacrococcygeal abscess is a common procedure in the Emergency Department (ED) both to decrease a patient's pain and to improve the local wound conditions for subsequent definitive surgical therapy. However, the local infiltration of anesthetics is often problematic due to the unacceptable and unavoidable pain resulting from the injection itself, as well as the inability to achieve a complete anesthetic response. Therefore, standard textbooks generally recommend the concomitant use of local and systemic analgesics in the treatment of sacrococcygeal abscesses. We describe herein an alternative technique to administer local analgesia after the aspiration of an abscess for incision and drainage of a sacrococcygeal abscess that is safe and rapid. The patient is placed in the prone position and the buttocks are separated from the midline with adhesive tape. The technique involves needle aspiration of the abscess with consecutive slow injections of the same amount of local anesthetic into the abscess cavity via the same needle, followed by abscess drainage by incision and gentle curettage. This method therefore eliminates multiple infiltrations of the abscess and the surrounding area and obviates the associated pain due to the low volume of anesthetic required. The described technique is well tolerated by the patient and reduces the frequently encountered difficulty with incision and drainage of coccygeal abscesses in the ED.     

Tuberculous abscess of the thyroid gland: a report of two cases

Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland is very rare, with an acute abscess formation being the least common form of presentation. We report the sono-graphic features of two cases of tuberculous thyroid abscess that were confirmed via ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy.     

Supralevator abscess: Evaluation with transrectal sonography

Transrectal ultrasound was used in 2 patients with supralevator perirectal fluid collections. In one instance, this technique was used to diagnose and plan surgical drainage of a perirectal abscess. In another patient needle aspiration under sonographic guidance was performed for removal of a septated fluid collection.     

New trends in the management of peritonsillar abscess

Peritonsillar abscess is the most common complication of acute tonsillitis. Signs and symptoms include fever, unilateral sore throat, odynophagia and trismus. Optimal management consists of antibiotic therapy and drainage of the abscess. Controversy exists about the drainage procedure, which includes needle aspiration, incision and drainage, or acute tonsillectomy. Data indicate that outpatient needle aspiration, antibiotics and pain medication are effective treatment in 85 to 90 percent of patients with uncomplicated peritonsillar abscesses.     

TUBERCULOUS MASTITIS: A RARE DISEASE

SUMMARY Two cases of tuberculous mastitis are described. This disease remains rare. While routine laboratory investigations are not helpful in its diagnosis, fine needle aspiration to allow histologic examination of tissue and culture is essential — both to differentiate tuberculous mastitis from pyogenic breast abscess and breast carcinoma, and to guide antimicrobial therapy. Antituberculous drugs in combination with aspiration or surgical drainage are usually associated with an excellent outcome.     

Treatment of prostatic abscess: value of transrectal ultrasonographically guided needle aspiration.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of transrectal ultrasonographically guided needle aspiration in the treatment of prostatic abscess. Fourteen patients with prostatic abscess were evaluated with this technique and treated with sonographically guided needle aspiration. Using this technique, all cases (100%) had one or more hypoechoic areas within the prostate that contained inhomogeneous materials; in 10 patients (71.0%), the lesion showed internal septa or solid portion. The margins of the hypoechoic area were well defined and thick in 11 patients (79.0%) and poorly defined in 3 patients (21.0%). The estimated volume of the prostatic abscess ranged between 2 and 28 ml (mean, 12.0 ml). The presence of a pus collection within the prostate was confirmed by transrectal ultrasonographically guided aspiration in all patients. However, successful treatment of prostatic abscess with transrectal needle aspiration was done in 12 (86.0%) of 14 patients; the treatment failed in 2 (14.0%) of 14 patients. One patient was treated with perineal incision and drainage and the other with transurethral resection. The amount of pus drained ranged between 1 and 39 ml (mean, 12.0 ml). On follow-up transrectal ultrasonographic examination, no remaining abscess pocket was found within the prostate in any of the cases. One year later, the prostatic abscess recurred in one case. In conclusion, transrectal ultrasonographic guidance is useful in the diagnosis of prostatic abscess as well as in the guidance for aspiration and the drainage of such abscesses. Transrectal ultrasonographically guided needle aspiration could be an effective method for treating prostatic abscess.     

超声造影结合细针穿刺活检诊断甲状腺结节

目的 探讨超声造影结合细针穿刺活检在诊断甲状腺结节方面的临床价值。 方法 观察我院98例甲状腺结节患者的98个结节,每例患者依次进行二维超声检查及超声造影后,再在超声引导下行细针穿刺活检。以手术病理为标准,评价超声造影及细针穿刺活检对甲状腺结节诊断的准确性。 结果 98例甲状腺结节患者,手术病理诊断良性结节40例,恶性结节58例,超声造影及细针穿刺活检诊断甲状腺结节的敏感性、特异性、准确性分别为72%、68%、70%及78%、73%、76%;超声造影结合细针穿刺活检诊断甲状腺结节的敏感性为91%、特异性为90%、准确性为90%,两种检查方法结合可提高甲状腺结节诊断的敏感性、特异性和准确性,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论 超声造影结合细针穿刺活检可在术前更准确、更安全的判断甲状腺结节的良恶性,对甲状腺结节的诊断具有重要的临床意义。       

A novel approach to enhance visualization during drainage of peritonsillar abscess

Routine emergency department care for uncomplicated peritonsillar abscess involves needle aspiration or incision and drainage. Standard technique involves use of a tongue blade and auxiliary light source. We describe the novel use of a disassembled disposable vaginal speculum with fiberoptic light, a device becoming commonplace in many emergency departments. This novel approach to managing peritonsillar abscess greatly enhances visualization and facilitates peritonsillar abscess drainage.     

经口腔超声在扁桃体周围脓肿的应用

目的：评价经口腔超声对扁桃体周围脓肿的诊断价值。方法：３３例疑诊为扁桃体周围脓肿（ＰＴＡ）患者进行经口腔超声（ＩＯＵ）检查。结果：ＩＯＵ诊断ＰＴＡ２７例,扁桃体周围炎（ＰＴＣ）６例。２８例穿刺或切排抽取脓液,５例穿刺阴性。ＩＯＵ诊断ＰＴＡ的敏感度为９６．４％（２７／２８）,特异度为１００％。阳性预测值为１００％,阴性预测值为８３．３％。结论：ＩＯＵ是一种诊断准确率高,图像直观,非侵入性的诊断技术,是临床诊断ＰＴＡ的有用工具。     

Ultrasound-guided drainage of peritonsillar abscess by the emergency physician

The diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) poses a challenge to emergency physicians (EPs). The decision to perform an invasive procedure with potential complications is based on clinical judgment that is often inaccurate. Although there is some mention of intraoral ultrasound in otolaryngology practice, there is none in the emergency medicine (EM) literature. However, this bedside emergency application of ultrasonography has the potential to be of considerable use in EM practice, and could allow EPs who previously deferred blind needle aspiration of a potential abscess to perform the procedure themselves. We report the cases of 6 patients who presented with probable PTA and were evaluated with intraoral ultrasound at the bedside by an EP. All 6 patients then underwent needle aspiration. As diagnosed on ultrasound, 3 of the patients had negative aspirations and were diagnosed with peritonsillar cellulitis. Three others were found to have PTA, with 2 requiring real-time ultrasound needle guidance to accomplish abscess drainage after multiple failures with the blind approach.     

Peritonsillar abscess. Why aggressive management is appropriate

Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep neck infection in adults. Infections develop from purulent material collecting in the fascial spaces lateral to the capsule of the palatine tonsil. Infections are usually polymicrobial, and a significant number of anaerobes are isolated. The cornerstone of therapy is drainage of the abscess. With cooperative patients, careful permucosal needle aspiration is an accepted method of primary therapy. Large or recurrent abscesses require otolaryngologic consultation for adequate incision and drainage. Tonsillectomy may be necessary to prevent re-formation of abscess in patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis.     

Hepatic abscesses in the immunocompromised patient: Role of CT in detection,diagnosis, management,and follow-up

Newer cytotoxic and immunosuppressive agents and more aggressive oncologic treatment protocols have resulted in an increased incidence of opportunistic infections in the immunocompromised host. Clinical symptoms and laboratory data are often nonspecific and definitive diagnosis may be difficult to establish. The role of CT in the detection, diagnosis, management, and followup of various hepatic opportunistic infections in 9 immunocompromised hosts is presented.In 5 of 6 patients, CT-guided needle aspiration resulted in definitive diagnosis. In 3 patients, surgical intervention was obviated by abscess drainage using CT guidance. There is clearly a role for CT not only in the detection but also in the definitive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of abscesses in the immunocompromised host.     

2000～2011年前列腺脓肿诊治文献的循证评价

目的循证评价近十年前列腺脓肿诊治文献,为临床实践提供参考。方法依据循证医学原理,应用文献计量学方法,全面检索PubMed数据库2000年1月～2011年4月前列腺脓肿诊治研究,纳入合格文献并评估文献质量、提取有效数据后以OpenO ce.org 3.8 Calc建立数据库进行分析,系统评价前列腺脓肿诊治文献。结果①初检共获得文献205篇,最终纳入符合标准的文献81篇,合计388例(4.79例/篇)患者。患者年龄分布为10天～83岁,除2篇文献涉及诊断试验外,其余79篇文献均为外科干预性研究。②81篇文献中无一篇为临床对照试验,病例数≥5例的16个研究(共311例)均为回顾性病例分析,其余65个研究为个案报道。③美国共发表13篇文献居首位(占16.5%),欧美国家共发表36篇(占44.44%),我国大陆研究明显薄弱,仅发表2篇英文研究。④前列腺脓肿发病低龄化。病原体包括真菌、细菌两大类,后者以G+球菌(葡萄球菌属)为主,次为G–杆菌(克雷伯菌属),少见病原体亦有发病,病因复杂且不同地区差异明显。易感因素概括为局部与全身因素两类,以糖尿病、肝硬化与下尿路操作、尿路感染最常见。⑤诊断涉及症状评估、体格检查、病原体鉴定、影像学检查(TRUS、下腹或骨盆CT、MRI)等。治疗包括一般处理、抗生素疗法与外科引流;手术径路分为经皮经会阴、经直肠与经尿道;经会阴/经直肠行TRUS、EUS或CT引导下细针穿刺抽吸、留置导管引流或切开引流,经尿道行TUR、TURP或TUIP引流,部分穿刺抽吸失败转为经尿道或经会阴切开引流,部分病例行尿流改道。⑥由于缺乏对比资料,未能获得不同术式孰优孰劣的结果。⑦除死于相关并发症外,结局良好。结论①前列腺脓肿文献丰富,但质量不高,均为回顾性研究或个案报道,且以欧美国家报道为主。②发病低龄化但任何年龄皆可发生,以G+球菌(葡萄球菌属)为主,次为G–杆菌(克雷伯菌属),地区差异明显。③易感因素以糖尿病、肝硬化与下尿路操作、尿路感染最常见。④在临床评估的基础上,以TRUS/盆腔CT/MRI与实验室检查确诊本病。⑤抗菌素使用宜有病原学依据,注意大肠埃希菌耐药性问题。视具体情况可个体化采用保守治疗、TRUS/EUS或CT引导下穿刺抽吸、留置导管引流或经尿道微创引流;若脓肿穿破前列腺包膜或穿透肛提肌则宜经会阴切开引流;术后应密切随访。     

Ultrasonically guided percutaneous drainage of abdominal fluid collections: A long-term study of its therapeutic efficacy

Fifty patients underwent ultrasonically guided percutaneous drainage (US-GPD) either with needle aspiration or catheter drainage. The procedures resulted in 70% complete recovery, 20% partial success and 10% of failures. The same patients were followed with clinical examination and sonography for a mean time of 36.3 months (minimum follow-up: 12 months). During the follow up period, 10 relapses occurred and one patient, considered for surgery after partial percutaneous treatment of a pyogenic liver abscess, recovered completely under conservative treatment. An analysis of the factors potentially related to the recurrence was made. It was found that one-step needle aspiration of abdominal abscesses and percutaneous treatment of chronic pancreatic pseudocysts are more prone to relapses. We conclude that US-GPD is an efficacious therapy for abdominal fluid collections, but an adequate drainage technique and a careful selection of the patients is crucial to avoid the possibility of relapse.     

Thyroid tuberculosis: diagnosis and treatment

OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to report clinical characteristics and treatment of thyroid tuberculosis (TT). METHODS: During 16 years, 2,426 patients have been operated on the thyroid in the surgical department 'A' in Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. Anatomopathological results of the removed thyroid were analyzed for evidence of tuberculosis. RESULTS: Eight cases of TT were diagnosed. Five patients had a goiter and 3 patients had an isolated nodule of the thyroid. In one case, fine-needle aspiration cytology gave the diagnosis of TT. This patient had a complete drainage of the abscess. In all other patients, the diagnosis was given after surgery. All patients received additional antituberculous drugs for 6 months, and follow-up was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: TT does not have any consistent symptoms. Fine-needle aspiration is the best method for diagnosis and can result in the avoidance of surgery.