Ring-enhancing lesion

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Ring-enhancing lesion is a term used in radiology to describe the appearance of certain tumors, infections, and inflammatory processes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. The term "ring-enhancing" refers to the characteristic appearance of these lesions on contrast-enhanced imaging studies, where they appear as a ring of enhancement surrounding a central area of low signal intensity.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Ring-enhancing lesions can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

  • Brain abscess: This is an infection in the brain that causes a collection of pus to form. On imaging, it appears as a ring-enhancing lesion.
  • Glioblastoma multiforme: This is a type of brain tumor that is often aggressive and can appear as a ring-enhancing lesion on imaging.
  • Metastatic cancer: Cancer that has spread from another part of the body to the brain can cause ring-enhancing lesions.
  • Multiple sclerosis: This is a disease of the nervous system that can cause inflammation and damage to the brain and spinal cord, resulting in ring-enhancing lesions on imaging.
  • Tuberculoma: This is a type of granuloma (inflammatory mass) caused by tuberculosis infection, which can appear as a ring-enhancing lesion on imaging.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of a ring-enhancing lesion is typically made based on the appearance of the lesion on imaging studies. However, the exact cause of the lesion can often be difficult to determine based on imaging alone. Therefore, additional tests, such as a biopsy or lumbar puncture, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of a ring-enhancing lesion depends on the underlying cause. For example, a brain abscess may be treated with antibiotics and possibly surgery to drain the abscess. A glioblastoma multiforme may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Metastatic cancer may be treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the type and location of the primary cancer.

See also[edit | edit source]

Ring-enhancing lesion Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD