Pearls & Pitfalls

 

• Ultrasound is meant as a diagnostic aid. Always rely on clinical information to guide management decisions. If it is unclear what you are seeing, obtain formal imaging.

 

• Vascular structures can mimic abscess. Be sure to accurately identify common abscess mimics. Always use color doppler before making an incision: abscess should never have central blood flow.

 

• Small foreign bodies may be difficult to see and can be time consuming to identify. The location of foreign bodies can also limit imaging if there is a hematoma or large wound around the object.