Korean J Infect Dis.  1999 Oct;31(5):460-466.

A Case of Multiple Brain Abscess Mimicking Cystic Brain Metastases

• Lee DK
• Suh HJ

Abstract

Multiple intracerebral space-occupying lesions (SOL) demonstrated by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radionuclide brain scanning or cerebral arteriography often present a diagnostic enigma. The differential diagnosis between brain abscess and brain tumor is occasionally difficult to determine on the basis of imaging studies and clinical judgement, especially in the case of brain SOL with mainly cystic or necrotic component. Elderly patients with a history suggestive of hidden malignancy and the above radiological features are usually presumptively diagnosed as having multiple cerebral metastases. We experienced a case of multiple brain abscess which was confirmed by diagnostic surgery, in a 67- year old male who showed clinical and radiological findings of mimicking cystic brain metastases with undetermined primary focus. Even with long-term therapy with antibiotics and supportive care, the patient suffered from massive ventriculitis and subsequently died.

Keyword

Brain abscess; Cystic brain metastases; Brain space-occupying lesions (SOL); Brain MRI

MeSH Terms

Aged
Angiography
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Brain Abscess*
Brain Neoplasms
Brain*
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Neoplasm Metastasis*
Anti-Bacterial Agents