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Semin Neurol 2000; Volume 20(Number 03): 353-360
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-9397
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Brain Abscess

David P. Calfee, Brian Wispelwey
  • Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The epidemiology of brain abscess has changed with the increasing incidence of this infection in immunocompromised patients, particularly solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, and the decreasing incidence of brain abscess related to sinusitis and otitis. A number of new neuroimaging modalities, including single photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, perfusion magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, provide an initial noninvasive approach to diagnosis. The recommendations for the management of intracranial mass lesions in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals has changed as the incidence of toxoplasmic encephalitis has decreased with the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, microbiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of brain abscess in the beginning of the 21st century are provided in this review.

KEYWORD

Central nervous system - abscess - immunosuppression

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