Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Patients with Intracranial Mass Lesions

Abstract

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was studied in 558 cases of uncomplicated brain abscess, astrocytoma, meningioma, subdural hematoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and metastatic carcinoma. It was found that mean values for astrocytoma and meningioma were well within normal limits, while those for subdural hematoma and glioblastoma multiforme were borderline or moderately elevated. Brain abscess and metastatic carcinoma exhibited markedly abnormal mean rates. Rates within-each diagnostic class, however, varied from normal to markedly abnormal. The diagnostic importance of these findings is discussed.