[Amebiasis. The technology of the 80's. I. Ultrasound, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance: have they helped improve the diagnosis of hepatic abscess?].

A complete change in the diagnosis of amebic liver abscess has been accomplished since the introduction of new imaging modalities. Ultrasound is today the ideal screening procedure because of it's greater availability, high accuracy and low cost. Computed Tomography is more sensitive and specific and also has greater capacity in the differential diagnosis of intrahepatic and extrahepatic lesions; it is recommended when there is a difficult diagnosis or when there is no response to medical treatment. Initial experience with MRI indicates that is more sensitive for the study of liver masses. It's role in the study of amebic abscess should be assessed in the future.