iothalamate-meglumine and Brain-Abscess

Precontrast and postcontrast computed tomographic (CT) scans of patients with brain abscesses were quantitatively studied to determine if the degree of encapsulation could be predicted. The findings in these cases correlated closely to the CT criteria for encapsulation previously established in an experimental model. Time-density curves of serial delayed postcontrast CT scans and the precontrast CT appearance yielded accurate criteria for determining the degree of encapsulation. The effect of corticosteroid treatment on contrast enhancement of brain abscess was also studied in one patient.

Topics: Brain Abscess; Dexamethasone; Diatrizoate; Diatrizoate Meglumine; Humans; Iothalamate Meglumine; Prednisone; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The effect of short-term corticosteroid treatment on contrast enhancement was investigated in an experimental brain abscess model. The degree of enhancement was reduced in the cerebritis stage, unaffected in the capsule stage, and intermediate in the transitional stage. The area and pattern of enhancement were also altered in the cerebritis stage. Although the magnitude of the entire cerebritis time-density curve (extended for 60 minutes) was decreased by the steroids, its configuration was unchanged. Prior to steroid administration, the 10- and 60-minute components of the curve discriminated between cerebritis and capsule stages, with the latter exhibiting a far lower 60-minute value. Implications for treatment of brain abscesses are discussed.

Topics: Animals; Brain Abscess; Dexamethasone; Dogs; Iothalamate Meglumine; Streptococcal Infections; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed