A predominantly solid appearance at US is associated with K pneumoniae monomicrobial liver abscess. K pneumoniae liver abscess is associated with a much smaller quantity of pus at initial aspiration.

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The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of 15 cases of tuberculous (TB) spinal infection were reviewed. The commonest site was the lumbar spine (53.3%), often with three or more contiguous vertebrae involved (47%). Destruction of the vertebral body and the presence of paraspinal soft-tissue masses were noted in 73.3%. Posterior element abnormalities, which is a significant finding, were seen in 40%, a slightly lower incidence rate than in other reported series. Epidural disease (53.3%) and disc abnormalities (73%) were more frequent than was realized. The role of intravenous contrast is discussed. Intravenous gadolinium is useful because it increases diagnostic confidence by characterizing and delineating the disease process, detects reactivation in old and healed TB, helps in treatment management and may prove valuable in monitoring therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging should be considered to be the imaging modality of choice for patients with suspected tuberculous spinal infection.

A case is reported here of an ancient schwannoma in the retroperitoneum. The findings of abdominal ultrasound and CT in a patient with a retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma are presented, and the clinical and radiological features of this unusual tumour are reviewed. The presence of a large, well-delineated complex cystic mass in the deep soft tissues should raise the possibility of an ancient schwannoma. It is important to recognize these tumours as benign with excellent prognosis so as to avoid unnecessary radical surgery.

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HRCT is useful for early diagnosis of SARS-associated coronavirus pneumonia in patients with normal chest radiographs. HRCT findings in these patients predict potentially severe disease.

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