Stereotactic aspiration of deep cerebral abscesses after CT-directed labeling

Multiple, deep cerebral abscesses were treated in 2 patients by stereotactic aspiration after CT-guided needle labeling of single cavities. Separation of labeling from stereotactic manipulations avoids CT artifact generated by standard frame components; the technique will, therefore, accommodate most stereotactic instruments in current use. Alignment of CT and stereotactic coordinates hinged upon coidentification of the Pantopaque-labeled cavity on CT scans and on routine skull films with the stereotactic frame in place. Proximity of the label to targets eliminated the need for special head fixation or complex baseline correction.