Early on the abscess appears as an area of necrosis which is relatively circumscribed. As time goes by, if the abscess does not spread producing a larger area of necrosis, it is surrounded by a firm capsule. This can rupture and cause a spreading cerebritis or rupture into a ventricle producing ventriculitis or meningitis. The second layer about this is made up of proliferating fibroblasts and capillaries with a more chronic inflammatory reaction. The third layer is of reactive astrocytes with plump pink cytoplasm as well as chronic inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes and plasma cells.
Herniation can lead to death as can rupture of the abcess into ventricles and meninges.
Manual of basic neuropathology.