The evolution of a brain abscess the complementary roles of radionuclide (RN) and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Serial Tc-99m glucoheptonate brain scans demonstrated a brain abscess in a patient from the earliest phase of acute focal encephalitis (cerebritis) through the capsule formation and the recovery phase. The role of the RN and CT scans in the diagnosis of the early stage of cerebritis and the complementary nature of RN and CT scans in intracranial infections, particularly abscesses, are discussed. Guidelines for the use of RN and CT scans are suggested.