Objective To analyze MRI value in diagnosing liver abscess.Methods MRI findings of liver abscess confirmed by clinical and pathology in 29 patients were analyzed retrospectively.Results 17 patients were single lesion and 12 patients were multiple lesions,totally 58 liver abscesses.MR imaging showed cluster sign in 15 cases,abnormal hepatic segmental or lamellar signal in 22 cases,lace pattern and crest septum in 17 cases,target sign or double ring sign in 8 cases,abscess with gas in 3 cases and tissue crumb sediment inside of abscess in 3 cases.On contrast-enhanced scan in 10 cases,7 cases showed marginal enhancement and 5 cases showed honeycomb or grid enhancement.Conclusion MRI can preferably show the characteristics of liver abscesses,it is of important value in diagnosis.