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MR imaging of brain abscesses.
A B Haimes1, R D Zimmerman, S Morgello
1Department of Radiology, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, NY 10021.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers early and accurate diagnosis of pyogenic cerebral abscesses. Characteristic MR findings, including edema, necrosis, spread, and capsule visualization, aid in differentiating abscesses from other brain lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pyogenic cerebral abscesses are serious intracranial infections requiring prompt diagnosis.
- Distinguishing abscesses from other brain lesions can be challenging with conventional imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging in pyogenic cerebral abscesses.
- To identify characteristic MR features that enable early and accurate diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of MR and CT scans from 14 patients with surgically confirmed pyogenic cerebral abscesses.
- Correlation of MR findings with CT findings and pathological studies.
Main Results:
- MR findings correlated well with CT and demonstrated characteristic features for diagnosis.
- Key MR features include peripheral edema, central necrosis with concentric zones, extraparenchymal spread, and a distinct capsule.
- Capsular intensity patterns suggest paramagnetic shortening, possibly due to macrophage activity, rather than fibrosis or hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging alone can provide early and accurate diagnosis of pyogenic cerebral abscesses.
- Distinctive MR features aid in differentiating abscesses from other intracranial lesions.
- The observed capsular intensity may be related to free radicals produced by macrophages.