PURPOSE: To analyze the imaging features of brain abscess. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR studies of nine patients with surgically verified brain abscess were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The shape of abscesses were round(n=6), multilobulated(n=2) or triangular(n=1). All lesions were located in corticomedullary junction and extended into white matter. On gadolinium-DTPA enhanced images, smooth rim-like(n=6) or irregular thick enhancement(n=3) of abscess wall was noted. Budlike projection from the abscess capsule was found in 4 cases. The signal intensity of abscess capsule was either hyperintense (n=5) or isointense(n=4) relative to white matter on Tl-weighted images, and hypointense(n=6), isointense (n=2) or mixed hypo and isointense(n=l) on T2-weighted images. Satellite nodules were found in 2 cases. PNS inflammation(n=2), meningitis(n=1), ventriculitis(=2) and subdural empyema(n=1) were associated CONCLUSION: The MR features of brain abscess included characteristic intensity of abscess capsule, budlike projection from the abscess wall, moderate amount of peripheral edema, satellite nodules, and associated meningitis, ventriculitis or PNS infection. The morphology of abscess wall was not specific for the diagnosis of brain abscess.