Musculoskeletal

Bone/Musc: Possible muscle abcess

Specific Anatomic Region

Bone/Muscle

Application

Possible muscle abscess

Author

Fishman EK

Reference Source

Personal communication

Scanner Used

Siemens Somatom Plus 4

Injection Rate

2ml/sec

Contrast Volume and Type

120ml of Omnipaque 350

Area Scanned

Variable and based on clinical exam and history

Scan Delay

30sec

Length of Spiral (time)

Up to 40sec

Slice Thickness

3-5mm

Table Speed/Pitch

5-10mm/sec or up to a pitch of 2

Reconstruction Interval

3-8mm

3D Technique Used

Volume rendering as needed

Comment: IV contrast is critical in the detection of smaller abscesses which often enhance less than muscle. Peripheral rim enhancement may also occur. Without contrast an abscess can easily be overlooked.