[Late findings on computer tomography after cerebral abscess surgery]

Abstract

The authors subjected 10 patients CT examination after recovery from surgery of cerebral abscesses. The shortest interval after operation was one year, the longest 20 years. In all instances a hypodense focus of varying extent was revealed, in four patients it gave the impression of a pseudocyst. In one patient the author observed a pseudocyst with an expansive effect on the lateral ventricle. Puncture produced clear, colourless fluid without signs of inflammatory changes. Extensive pathological lesions were found in particular in patients where recovery was complicated by a relapse. It was surprising that quite extensive pathological changes were found also in patients who were treated by so-called minimal surgical intervention (puncture with drainage). The authors emphasize the importance of regular postoperative check-ups by CT which make it possible to detect in time possible relapses and leads to optimal therapy before further cerebral tissue is affected.