[Brain abscesses. Value of computed tomography. A review of seven cases (author's transl)]

Based on a series of seven cases of subtentorial abscess, the authors analyze the results of different methods of exploration. Though in certain clinical conditions (intracranial hypertension and meningeal infections) the etiology is of no consequence, in most cases of definite diagnosis can be made of a space-occupying lesion by the use of EEG, arteriography, and scintigraphy examinations, without establishing the precise nature of the affection. As expected, computed tomography appears to be the most reliable examination. Diagnosis was confirmed by this method in 6 of the 7 cases, and it also enabled the number, size, and location of the lesions to be determined. Typical appearances after injection of an iodized contrast medium revealed the development of an abscess following the intracerebral infection, and determined the time for surgical intervention. In spite of intensive care and antibiotic therapy, an abscess remains a "delayed-action bomb", with poor prognosis, requiring drainage or surgical excision as soon as conditions are appropriate. The mortality and morbidity of this rare, and therefore poorly recognized, affection should improve with systematic use of the scanner during meningeal infections.