Postoperative computed tomographic changes in the brain: an experimental study

Contrast enhancement in the brain on computed tomography (CT) after an operation was studied in otherwise healthy dogs to evaluate the stages of enhancement caused by surgical changes. Serial CT scanning was done with and without contrast enhancement following a partial posterior parietal lobectomy. Pathologic correlation was obtained. Contrast enhancement occurred as early as one week, with peak incidence occurring between two and six weeks. Enhancement was diminishing or absent by the eight week after operation. Separate components of enhancement secondary to breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and to vascular granulation tissue may be distinguishable.