Brain abscess differential diagnosis

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

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Overview

Brain abscess must be differentiated from metastatic tumors and lymphoma.

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.