Computed tomographic evaluation of brain abscess

ABSTRACT

The use of CT is most reliable in diagnosis and management of brain abscess. Authors analized 17 cases of pathologically and clinically proven brain abscess during the period of 39 months from Jan. 1978 to Mar, 1982 at National Medical Center. The results were as follows; 1. The sex ration 9 males to 8 females, and no sexdifference was seen, and the greatest number of cases were seen below the age of 30(65%). 2. The otogenicinfection was the most frequent predisposing factors(8 cases). Other predisposing factors were postoperative infection (2 cases), pulmonary infection (2 cases), and congenital heart disease(2 cases). The most common site ofinvolvement was posterior fossa(5 cases). Next was temporal lobe (4 cases), and temporoparietal lobe (3 cases). 3.Most common presenting symptoms were headache, fever, focal neurological signs, and dizziness. 4. Among the 22 brain abscesses of 17 patients, the msot frequent CT finding in precontrast scan was a low density surrounded by afaint dense or dense ring (11 cases). Next was purely low density (6 cases). Associated hydrocephalus was found in4 cases, and multiple or multiloculated abscess was seen in 4 cases. 5. In post contrast scan, brain abscessusually show complete, oval or round shaped, thin, evening righ enhancement with mild or moderate surroundingedema, but there was no specific enhancement.