BRAIN PARENCHYMAL INFECTION IN BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION PATIENTS -CT AND MR FINDINGS

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the MR and CT appea rances of brain infection after bone marrow transplantation and to cor relate the appearances with laboratory and pathologic findings. MATERI ALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed the records of seven bone marrow transplant recipients with radiologic evidence of brain infect ion. RESULTS. Forty-one lesions were detected in seven patients with p roved infectious foci outside the brain before brain infection was sus pected clinically. Six patients had low total WBC or lymphocyte counts showed no appreciable edema or contrast enhancement. However, all les ions detected in the patient with normal total WBC and lymphocyte coun ts showed marked vasogenic edema and ring enhancement. CONCLUSION. Bra in infection in bone marrow transplant recipients during immunosuppres sion exhibited MR characteristics different from those typically seen in immunocompetent patients. This appearance may be related to a dimin ished immunologic/inflammatory response.