Evaluation of cerebral abscesses by diffusion-weighted MR imaging and MR spectroscopy.

Cerebral abscess may sometimes mimic necrotic tumor and cystic metastases both clinically and radiologically. The imaging findings may be indistinguishable on conventional magnetic resonance imaging. Although recent studies have shown that cerebral abscess displays restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), it is not pathognomic. Necrotic tumor and cystic metastases may occasionally have restricted diffusion on DWI. Since the urgency of surgical intervention and approach of surgery is different, MR Spectroscopy may be used in conjunction with DWI in establishing the correct diagnosis.