Diagnostic Value of Computed Tomography for Intracranial Suppuration

ABSTRACT

The authors report their experience with 22 cases of intracranial suppuration 18 with brain abscess and four with subdural empyema. A small series of nine consecutive cases of intracranial suppuraion with one death is presented since Computed Tomographic brain scanning become a routine diagnostic procedure. These patient have been compared to 13 consecutive cases treated without benefit of CT analysis in order to determine the factors responsible for the recently improved prognosis. The mortality rate was 30.8% for al operated patients treated before availability of CT and 22.7% for the patient since advent of CT scan. Among the factors that may have contributed to the improved results for patients diagnosed with CT are fewer patients with poor preperative clinical status, and a great incidence of total abscess removal. In addition, CT scanning provided more accurate diagnosis and localization of abscess and aided in the rapid detection of postoperative complication.