Cerebral abscess: loss of computed tomographic enhancement with steroids. Case report.

A case of cerebral abscess with decreased computed tomography enhancement and clinical improvement after steroid therapy alone is reported. When the steroids were discontinued, the computed tomography enhancement increased and the patient's clinical condition deteriorated. The abscess subsequently ruptured with the development of ventriculitis. The infection was not eradicated with penicillin or chloramphenicol, but was effectively treated with metronidazole.