Brain abscess laboratory tests

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 laboratory tests On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Brain abscess laboratory tests 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 laboratory tests
CDC on Brain abscess laboratory tests
Brain abscess laboratory tests in the news
Blogs on Brain abscess laboratory tests
Directions to Hospitals Treating Brain abscess
Risk calculators and risk factors for Brain abscess laboratory tests

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of brain abscesses include cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) analysis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and electroencephalogram (EEG).

• In one particular study, 41 out out 140 patients tested deteriorated within 48 hours of lumbar puncture, and out of those 41 patients, 25 died.
• Findings involving CSF are nonspecific.
• The ESR is usually elevated in the 40 – 50 range, but again, can also be normal.
• The EEG is abnormal in most patients as the brain abscess lateralizes to the side of the lesion.
• Patients usually have a moderate leukocytosis (< 20k), yet up to 40% can have a normal WBC count.

• Obtaining tissue is demonstrates the pathogen in close to 100% of cases.