Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound in Detecting Liver Abscess by Taking Computed Tomography Scan as Gold Standard
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i7.2752Keywords:
Diagnosis, Liver abscess, Sensitivity, Specificity, UltrasonographyAbstract
Background: Liver abscess is an important and common infection causing serious sequelae, which is a challenge in developing countries. Imaging plays an important role in early diagnosis of liver abscess. Computed Tomography Scan is the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver abscess. However, its application is limited because of its high cost, radiation hazard, and lack of accessibility. Ultrasonography is used as a primary method of imaging, although its sensitivity for the diagnosis of liver abscess requires consideration. Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in detecting liver abscess by using computed tomography scan as the gold standard. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted from October 2024 to April 2025 at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Hyderabad. Methodology: A total of 60 patients aged 18 to 70 years of both genders with clinical suspicion of liver abscess were included. All patients underwent liver ultrasound followed by computed tomography scan. Imaging findings were compared by using computed tomography scan as reference standard. A two by two contingency table was used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy. Results: The mean age was 44.48 ± 15.85 years, with 60.0% males and 40.0% females. Ultrasound detected liver abscess in 13.3% cases, while computed tomography scan detected abscess in 15.0% cases. Sensitivity of ultrasound was 77.78%, specificity was 98.04%, and diagnostic accuracy was 95.00%. Positive predictive value was 87.50% and negative predictive value was 96.15%. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a reliable initial imaging tool for detection of liver abscess, showing high specificity and diagnostic accuracy when compared with computed tomography scan.
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