Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion-weighted MRI of cerebral toxoplasma abscess
Crispina H Chong-Han1, Selina C Cortez, Glenn A Tung
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02903,USA.
Objective:
This retrospective study reports the diffusion-weighted MRI appearance of Toxoplasma abscesses, rim-enhancing cerebral masses resulting from toxoplasmosis infection. In all patients, the signal intensity of the abscess core on diffusion-weighted MRI was equal to or less than that of normal, unaffected cerebral white matter and the measured apparent diffusion coefficient was greater than that of unaffected white matter. Histopathology revealed necrotic tissue in the center of these abscesses but no purulent fluid.
Conclusion:
Unlike pyogenic abscesses, the core tissue of rim-enhancing Toxoplasma abscesses shows no restriction of water diffusion.
Related Concept Videos
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Toxoplasmosis
Brain Abscess l: Introduction

