[Role of computed tomographic control in brain abscesses and subdural empyemas]

The authors analysed their observation of 13 patients with brain abscesses and subdural empyemas which had been verified during operation or at autopsy. Brain abscesses and empyemas were caused by chronic inflammatory processes of otogenic or rhinogenic origin, traumas and surgical interventions as well as purulent inflammatory processes of other sites. Computerized tomography was shown to be a reliable method to diagnose brain abscesses and subdural empyemas. Owing to its high informative value CT made it possible to exactly define the stage of a purulent inflammatory process and to choose early and adequately a surgical method. CT is an indispensable means of postoperative control 4 weeks after operation in case of impairment of the patients' general status or in the absence of a therapeutic effect.