Acute soft tissue infection in intravenous drug abusers: its differential diagnosis by ultrasonography.

Portable, real-time, B-mode ultrasonography was used by surgeons to diagnose acute soft tissue infections in intravenous drug abusers. It was helpful in differentiating simple cellulitis from abscess and in detecting pseudoaneurysm and thrombophlebitis. The authors conclude that ultrasonography as an initial diagnostic method for these types of lesions provides both early diagnosis and early treatment, thereby shortening hospital stay and reducing complications.