• Computerized tomography was used in 35 patients with intracranial inflammatory disease. Computerized tomography was most reliable in differentiating cerebritis from an encapsulated abscess. Low-density areas with no or only patchy enhancement are consistent with the presence of cerebritis, whereas peripheral rim enhancement with a surrounding area of low density suggests an encapsulated abscess. Computerized tomography was valuable for determining the presence of hydrocephalus and extracerebral lesions and for observing the response to therapy.