Computed Tomography in Nonneoplastic Space-Occupying Intracranial Lesions

Abstract

A number of nonneoplastic intracranial space-occupying lesions may resemble neoplasms in the CT scan, and definitive diagnosis is not possible with CT studies alone in many cases. Misinterpretations are possible, even when all clinical data are considered in the interpretation of the CT scan. However, the most accurate possiblepreoperative diagnosis is a prerequisite for decisions on therapeutic strategy and surgical approach. Therefore some cases may require the full range of conventional neuroradiological techniques and careful consideration of clinical findings for correct interpretation of the CT scan with its consequences for therapy. Table 6 summarizes the most common alternatives in differential diagnosis of brain tumors. Inflammatory disease and granulomatous lesions constitute the critical group of diseases which may simulate neoplastic lesions. Cystic malformations are also important alternatives in differential diagnosis. Parasites associated with intracranial lesions are rare in Europe and North America, but they must be considered as possibilities in the differential diagnosis of intracranial space-occupying lesions, especially in Central and South America.