[Use of the scanner in diagnosis and therapeutic surveillance of brain abscess]

Comparison from 102 cases of brain infections has been done between 2 periods: before and after 1978. The use of CT scan in routine since 1978 has not changed the number of patients diagnosed in acute phase (less than 15 days); but diagnosis was done before 2 days in 37% after 1978 and in 27% before 1978. However frequency of consciousness disorders is equal in both groups: 55%. By a semi-statistical analysis on 40 cases, 10 CT scan datas have been tested according to their sensibility and specificity to the diagnosis of brain abscess; 4 datas have a satisfying sensibility and specificity and are more accurate than the others: regularity of the shape, regularity of the enhanced ring; enhancement after injection, surrounding edema. Survey of 40 cases by CT scan has permitted to determine the average delay of disappearance of mass effect (20 days), of disappearance of the abscess (44 days) and the cicatricial aspects according to the treatment: puncture or excision.