EVALUATION OF CONTRAST-ENHANCED MR IMAGING IN A BRAIN-ABSCESS MODEL

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 6  (2) , 139-147
Abstract
An alpha-streptococcus brain abscess was produced in 5 dogs and studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (0.5 T) and computed tomography (CT). Non-contrast and contrast-enhanced CT scans were obtained using gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd DTPA) for MR imaging and meglumine iothalamate for CT scanning. Each animal was evaluated in the early and later cerebritis stages of abscess evolution. On MR, the area of cerebritis enhanced after administration of Gd DTPA in a manner similar to that observed with contrast-enhanced CT. Contrast enhancement was greater on the MR imaging. Apparently, i.v. administered agents such as Gd DTPA should increase the diagnostic potential of MR imaging in neurologic diseases, especially those altering the blood-brain barrier.