Brain abscess differential diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Abscess Main Page
Brain abscess Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Brain abscess from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Brain abscess differential diagnosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Brain abscess differential diagnosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Brain abscess differential diagnosis
CDC on Brain abscess differential diagnosis
Brain abscess differential diagnosis in the news
Blogs on Brain abscess differential diagnosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Brain abscess
Risk calculators and risk factors for Brain abscess differential diagnosis

Overview

Brain abscess must be differentiated from metastatic tumors and lymphomas.

Differential Diagnosis

• Some studies suggest that indium scans can help differentiate abscess from CA, and thallium SPECT scans can distinguish CNS toxoplasmosis from lymphoma.
• The big differential is metastatic tumor: abscesses are often located in watershed regions, and tumors often enhance diffusely with contrast.
• Despite these differences, the true Dx is sometimes not made until biopsy.