CT Scanning in the Management of Intracranial Abscess: a review of 100 cases

Abstract

One hundred cases of brain abscess presenting between 1974 and 1984 are reviewed. The overall mortality was 20%, 98 cases were actively treated with a peroperative mortality of 14%. The results are compared to Garfield's 1969 series, drawn from similar clinical material. Changes in presentation and outcome are described. A significant improvement in survival (p<0.001) has occurred following the introduction of computerised tomography (CT Scan) which permits the rapid diagnosis and accurate localisation of intracranial sepsis. As the basic therapeutic regime remains unchanged (burr hole aspiration and appropriate antibiotic treatment), other aspects of management have been examined, leading to the suggestion that CT Scanning has made a major contribution to the reduction in mortality.

Key Words:

• Brain abscess
• aspiration
• CT scanner