Value of the ring-enhancing sign in differentiating intracerebral hematomas and brain abscesses

Arch Intern Med. 1987 May;147(5):951-2.

Abstract

Computerized tomography (CT) is a sensitive method for detecting intracerebral pathology. Ring enhancement on contrast CT scan is a classic finding for intracerebral abscesses. Two cases are described in which clinical and physical findings were not suggestive of brain abscess; however, CT scan disclosed ring-enhancing lesions. Both patients were found to have vascular abnormalities without evidence of infection. The diagnostic dilemmas and specificity of ring enhancement on contrast CT scan are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Abscess / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hematoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / complications
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*