Ring-enhancing lesion

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

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

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

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

• Radiology
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Computed tomography
• Brain abscess
• Glioblastoma multiforme
• Metastatic cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• Tuberculoma

Ring-enhancing lesion Resources
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