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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Brain abscess laboratory tests

Introduction

Overview

Overview

Most laboratory tests are not diagnostic for brain abscess. In 25% of findings, the CSF is normal or shows unspecific changes. An increase of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate has also been associated with brain abscess.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of brain abscesses include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).[1] Blood examinations may reveal inflammatory signs with an elevation of C-reactive proteins.[2]

  • In approximately 25% of findings, the CSF is normal or shows unspecific changes.
    • It is difficult to isolate the pathogens from the CSF due to a lack of communication of the abscess with the CSF spaces.[2]
  • Some patients have been seen to herniate after CSF procedure.
    • In one study, 41 out of 120 patients deteriorated within 48 hours, and 25 of these individuals died.
  • There is a moderate increase in ESR.[1]
References

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Schlossberg, David (2008), Clinical Infectious Disease (1st ed.), New York, New York: Cambridge University Press
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Hähnel, Stefan (2009), Inflammatory Diseases of the Brain (2nd ed.), Berlin, Germany: Springer

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]‘; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Farwa Haideri [2]