Computed Tomography Characteristics of Intracranial Ring-enhancing Lesions

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Ring-enhancing computed tomography (CT) lesions are those which consist of focal area of hypodensity on plain CT scan on which contrast administration shows ring-like enhancement. CT scan has largely replaced previous radiological procedures such as plain roentgenograms, pneumoencephalogram, cerebral angiography, and myelography. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the various CT morphological characteristics of ring-enhancing lesions in various intracranial pathological entities. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the department of radiology in a tertiary care center in Mangalore, Karnataka, from July 2015 to November 2016. A total of 30 patients were included in this study whose CT scan showed ring-enhancing lesion or lesions after contrast administration and with a final diagnosis following surgery or complete cure. The morphological features of the lesions observed were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Various morphological features are expressed as percentages. Conclusions: CT morphology characteristics of ring lesion are strongly suggestive of the diagnosis such as tuberculoma, brain abscess, glioma, metastases, and nerocysticercosis; however, they have to be corroborated by clinical history, laboratory investigation, and histopathological examination to arrive at a definite diagnosis.