Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of rim-enhancing brain masses: is markedly decreased water diffusion specific for brain abscess?
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study investigated the specificity of restricted water diffusion for the diagnosis of brain abscess. Two of five rim-enhancing brain masses with restricted water diffusion (apparent diffusion coefficient of 0.79 [10(-3) mm(2)/sec] or less) were brain abscesses, but diagnoses in the other cases were metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (two cases) and radiation necrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although an important diagnostic sign, restricted water diffusion is not specific for brain abscess.
Tung
G A
GA
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02903, USA.
Evangelista
P
P
Rogg
J M
JM
Duncan
J A
JA
D000368:Aged; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004058:Diffusion; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity