Original report. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of rim-enhancing brain masses: Is markedly decreased water diffusion specific for brain abscess?

Authors
Tung, GA Evangelista, P Rogg, JM Duncan, JA
Citation
Ga. Tung et al., Original report. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of rim-enhancing brain masses: Is markedly decreased water diffusion specific for brain abscess?, AM J ROENTG, 177(3), 2001, pp. 709-712
Citations number
12
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Journal title
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ROENTGENOLOGY
ISSN journal
0361803X → ACNP
Volume
177
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
709 - 712
Database
ISI
SICI code
0361-803X(200109)177:3<709:ORDMIO>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This retrospective study investigated the specificity of restric ted water diffusion for the diagnosis of brain abscess. Two of five rim-enh ancing brain masses with restricted water diffusion (apparent diffusion coe fficient of 0.79 [10(-3) mm(2)/sec] or less) were brain abscesses, but diag noses in the other cases were metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (two cases ) and radiation necrosis. CONCLUSION. Although an important diagnostic sign, restricted water diffusi on is not specific for brain abscess.