Brain scanning in nontumorous conditions

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Abstract
Cerebral hemisphere infarcts and hematomas of more than minor extent give positive scans in approximately 80% of patients if the scans are done during the optimal time interval. The scans become positive in 3 to 6 days after onset, reach a maximum intensity in 10 to 14 days and revert to negative in 40 to 80 days. Scans are usually negative in minor infarcts, in cerebrovascular accidents involving the brainstem or internal capsule, and in cerebrovascular insufficiency. Infarcts and tumors may be indistinguishable clinically or on a single scan, but the correct diagnosis can usually be made on serial scans because of the changing uptake in patients with an infarct. Intracerebral abscesses cause positive scans, and they tend to remain positive Jong after clinical recovery. Trauma, infections, subdural hematomas, and abnormalities of the cranial vault may give identical positive scans. The correct diagnosis can tie made only by careful correlation with the history, clinical findings, and skull roentgenograms.

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