Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to explore the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with early bacterial liver abscess (BLA). Methods A total of 113 patients with suspected liver abscess were admitted to our hospital between May 2022 and December 2024, and all underwent routine ultrasonography and CEUS examinations. The abscess tying was performed based on CEUS enhancement model as type I, e.g., liquefaction, and type II, e.g., consolidation. The surveillance of abscess changes by CEUS was also performed. Results Of the 113 patients with suspected intrahepatic occupying lesions, comprehensive clinical materials confirmed BLA in 98 cases (86.7%), hepatocellular carcinoma in 7 cases, liver metastases in 5 cases and hepatic hemangioma in 3 cases; of the 98 patients with early BLA, CEUS found type I in 82 cases (83.7%), and type II in 16 cases (16.3%); all patients with type I recovered (100.0% effective) after puncture drainage and intravenous antibiotics tretament, and patients with type II patients responded well in 14 cases (87.5%), and abscess liquefied 1 week after in 2 cases, switched to puncture drainage and recovered; as for surveillance of therapeutic efficacy, CEUS showed a satisfactory priority, as it found effective earlier than clinical manifestations and/OR laboratory indexes. 3 days after treatment, there were 76 cases (77.6%) with reduction of abscess, while only 42 cases (42.9%) and 38 cases (38.8%) presented with normal body temperature and white blood cell count normal, at that time. Conclusion CEUS could help diagnose BLA early, and it also could help clinicians monitor the therapeutic process, and the clinical application needs further verification.

Key words: Bacterial liver abscess, Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, Diagnosis, Surveillance