Presentation
Adult patient presenting with a seizure.
MRI of the brain demonstrates, within the left occipital lobe, a rounded region demonstrating central high T2, low T1 signal is demonstrated. It is bounded by a region of relative low signal on T2 and surrounded by extensive vasogenic edema.
Diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrates marked restriction, and the periphery of the lesion demonstrated bright ring enhancement with somewhat shaggy borders.
MRS of the lesion(TE = 144 ) has a noisy baseline but an inverted lactate peak is none the less visible, as are reduced choline, creatine, and NAA peaks.
Findings are consistent with a cerebral abscess.
Case Discussion
This patient went on to have a craniotomy and drainage which confirmed the diagnosis.
These features are characteristic of a pyogenic abscess and the diagnosis can be made with confidence.