Ultrasound can differentiate abscess vs cellulitis and has been shown to increase EP success of drainage as well as lower CT use. If you are concerned about complicated PTA with extension, use your clinical judgment.
Let’s give a shout out to Kelsey Johnson and Karl Dachroeden who successfully identified and drained a PTA at bedside as well as Taylor Miller who had a difficult case of phlegmon vs early abscess.
References
For more information on how to perform these exams and research data take a look at coreultrasound.com, thepocusatlas.com and ultrasoundgel.org.
