Angiographic findings of brain abscess

Park, J H; Lee, M U; Choo, D W

Abstract

Accurate localization and correct diagnosis of brain abscess will lead to specific decompressive therapywithout contamination of the ventricular system or meninges. It is well known that angiography,pneumoventriculography and brain scan are used to make the diagnosis. Angiographic findings of 11 cases of brainabscess were studied and analyzed which were confirmed by operation during admission to Seoul National Universityhospital for recent 8 years. The results of analysis are as follow : 1. The ages of the 11 cases are from 7 yrs to42 yrs and 10 of them are male. For the sources of infection : hematogenous metastasis from unknown origin are in4 cases, chronic ottis media in 3 cases, and congenital heart disease is in 1 case. The diagnosis of all cases areconfirmed with operation. 2. Angiographies provide accurate localization of space occupying lesion with vasculardisplacement in all cases and capsular stain and ripple sign as characteristic findings of brain abscess aredefinite in 4 cases and 1 case respectively. 3. Localized dilatation of small artery are seen in 6 cases anddelayed arterial emptying are found in 3 cases. These findings are not characteristic for brain abscess but theyprovide much aid in making correct diagnosis. 4. Based on above results, accurate diagnosis of brain abscess inangiography is possible by detection of findings such as vascular displacement suggesting space occuying lesion,capsular stain, ripple sign, vascular changes and flow abnormalites.