Toxoplasma abscess

CT/MRI findings in toxoplasma abscess

1. most common findings: large area (low density on CT) with mild to moderate edema, ring enhancement with IV contrast in 68% compatible with abscess (of those that did not ring-enhance, many showed hypodense areas with less mass effect, with slight enhancement adjacent to the lesion), well-circumscribed margins

2. most commonly located in basal ganglia are also often subcortical

3. often multiple (typically > 5 lesions) and bilateral

4. usually with little to moderate mass effect (in BG, may compress third ventricle and Sylvian aqueduct, causing obstructive hydrocephalus)

5. most patients with toxoplasmosis had evidence of cerebral atrophy