Management and Outcome of a Neurologically Intact Infant with Pierre Robin Sequence and Dandy-Walker Variant Diagnosed with Large Hemispheric Brain Abscess ­ Case Report

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a condition consisting of three essential components: micrognathia or retrognathia, cleft palate, and glossoptosis. It can be part of multiple congenital anomalies. We present the case and outcome of a 3-month-old clinically stable patient who has PRS with Dandy-Walker variant ­ which is a rare presentation in the literature ­ with a large right hemispheric brain abscess, treated with multiple minimally-invasive surgical drainage procedures with adjuvant antibiotics.

Brain Abscess Caused by Nocardia: Case Report and Literature Review

Nocardia brain abscess is a rare clinical entity, accounting for 2% of all brain abscesses, associated with high morbidity and amortality rate 3 times higher than brain abscesses caused by other bacteria. Proper investigation and treatment, characterized by a longterm antibiotic therapy, play an important role on the outcome of the patient. The authors describe a case of a patient without neurological comorbidities who developed clinical signs of right occipital lobe impairment and seizures, whose investigation demonstrated brain abscess caused by Nocardia spp. The patient was treated surgically followed by antibiotic therapy with a great outcome after 1 year of follow-up.

Brain Abscess and Esophageal Dilatation: Where is the Link? ­ Case Report

Introduction Caustic substance ingestion is a common cause of esophageal stricture in children. The primary treatment is esophageal dilatation. Although it is known that endoscopic esophageal dilatation is a procedure associated with a high rate of bacteremia, current guidelines do not recommend routine throat swab cultures or antibiotic prophylaxis for the general children population. Case Report We describe a case of a 7-year-old boy presenting with refractory headaches who was diagnosed with cranial abscess after multiple esophageal dilatations due to stenosis caused by caustic soda ingestion. The patient was subjected to neurosurgical intervention and intravenous antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks. Streptococcus viridans culture was positive in purulent abscess content. Conclusion We highlight this condition that, although rare, needs immediate diagnosis and proper treatment. We also recommend routine testing of throat swabs and antibiotics prophylaxis to children undergoing esophageal dilatation.

Absceso cerebral múltiple del lóbulo temporal derecho, reporte de un caso / Multiple brain abscess of the right temporary lobe, report of a case

RESUMEN El absceso cerebral es un proceso infeccioso focal del parénquima cerebral. Se inicia con un área localizada de cerebritis y progresa a una colección de pus rodeada por una cápsula bien vascularizada. La mortalidad oscila entre 5 a 15 % de los casos, excepto en la ruptura intraventricular del absceso cerebral, situación en que la mortalidad oscila entre 38 a 84 %, con tasas altas de discapacidad en los sobrevivientes. Se presentó un caso de 47 años, con sintomatología neurológica infecciosa, además de signos neurológicos que demuestran el trastorno funcional del lóbulo temporal no dominante. Se realizaron varios exámenes complementarios y se diagnosticó dos abscesos cerebrales temporales derechos. Fue intervenido neuroquirúrgicamente, su evolución fue satisfactoria con regresión de casi la totalidad de los síntomas prequirúrgicos presentados (AU).

ABSTRACT Brain abscess is a focal infectious process of the brain parenchyma. It begins with a located area of cerebritis and progresses to a pus collection surrounded by a well-vasculirized capsule. Mortality oscillates from 5 % to 15% of the cases, except in the intraventricular rupture of the brain abscess, situation in which mortality oscillates from 38 % to 84 %, with high rates of disability in survivors. The case presented is the case of a patient aged 47 years, with infectious neurologic symptoms besides neurologic signs showing the functional disorder of the non-dominant temporal lobe. Several complementary tests were carried out and two right temporal brain abscesses were diagnosed. The patient underwent a neurosurgery; his evolution was satisfactory with the almost total regression of the symptoms before surgery (AU).

Absceso cerebral por Cladophialophora bantiana en un paciente con trasplante renal: reporte de un caso / Brain abscess caused by Cladophialophora bantiana after renal allograft loss: A case report

Resumen Las feohifomicosis cerebrales son infecciones graves causadas por mohos dematiáceos, entre los cuales Cladophialophora bantiana es una de las especies más comúnmente aislada. Esta tiene tropismo por el sistema nervioso central y frecuentemente produce abscesos cerebrales en pacientes inmunocompetentes; además, en los inmunocomprometidos también puede ocasionar infección diseminada. Pese a la disponibilidad de medicamentos antifúngicos de amplio espectro, a menudo se requiere también la intervención quirúrgica; de todas maneras, la mortalidad es elevada. El diagnóstico debe hacerse interviniendo para tomar la muestra y hacer el cultivo y las pruebas de sensibilidad. Se presenta aquí el caso de un paciente con trasplante renal que presentó un absceso cerebral por C. bantiana, el cual se extrajo mediante resección quirúrgica. El paciente recibió tratamiento con voriconazol, con adecuada respuesta, mejoría y sin secuelas neurológicas.

Abstract Cerebral feohifomycosis are severe infections caused by dematiaceous fungi. Cladophialophora bantiana is one of the most commonly isolated species; it has central nervous system tropism and it often manifests as a brain abscess in immunocompetent patients. In immunocompromised patients, it can lead to brain abscesses and disseminated infections. Despite the availability of broad-spectrum antifungal drugs, it is a must to perform surgical management, in addition to drug therapy. However, mortality is high. The diagnostic approach must be invasive to establish a timely diagnosis and direct treatment based on culture and susceptibility tests. We report a case of brain abscess caused by C. bantiana in an immunosuppressed patient who was treated with surgical resection and voriconazole with an adequate response to therapy and without neurological sequels.

Absceso cerebral causado por salmonella typhi: reporte de caso / Brain abscess caused by salmonella typhi: case report

Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 50 años de edad, quien es admitido a la emergencia de adultos, con cuadro un convulsivo asociado a fiebre de una semana de evolución. El estudio de tomografía cerebral reveló la presencia de imagen heterogénea en lóbulo frontal , se interviene quirúrgicamente con hallazgo de un absceso cerebral logrando el aislamiento de Salmonella typhi, cumple cuatro semanas de tratamiento con ceftriaxona intravenosa con mejoría tanto clínica como radiológica...(AU)

We present the case of a 50-year-old patient, who is admitted to the emergency of adults, with a convulsive symptoms associated with fever of one week of evolution. The cerebral tomography study revealed the presence of heterogeneous image in the frontal lobe, it was surgically intervened with the finding of a cerebral abscess achieving the isolation of Salmonella typhi, it was four weeks of treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone with clinical and radiological improvement ... (AU )

Brainstem abscess of undetermined origin: microsurgical drainage and brief antibiotic therapy / Abscesso do tronco encefálico de origem indeterminada: drenagem microcirúrgica e antibioticoterapia curta

CONTEXT: Solitary brainstem abscesses are rare and they are usually associated with other infections. They are severe conditions with high morbidity and mortality. The surgical options are stereotactic aspiration and microsurgical drainage. Systemic antibiotic therapy is used for more than six weeks. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a young man with a solitary abscess at the pons, without other systemic infections. The patient was treated by means of microsurgical drainage and antibiotic therapy for three weeks. His postoperative recovery was good. CONCLUSIONS: A microsurgical approach may be considered to be an important option for large abscesses that are multiloculated, close to the surface or contain thick fluid. Complete emptying of the purulent accumulation may diminish the required duration of antibiotic therapy. .

CONTEXTO: Abscessos isolados do tronco encefálico são raros e geralmente associados a outras infecções. Trata-se de condição grave, com grande morbidade e mortalidade. Opções cirúrgicas são aspiração com estereotaxia e drenagem microcirúrgica. Antibioticoterapia sistêmica tem sido usada por mais de seis semanas. RELATO DE CASO: Apresentamos o caso de um jovem com abscesso pontino sem outras infecções sistêmicas. O paciente foi tratado com drenagem microcirúrgica e antibioticoterapia por três semanas. Houve boa evolução pós-operatória. CONCLUSÕES: Acesso microcirúrgico pode ser considerado uma opção importante no tratamento de grandes abscessos do tronco encefálico, que são multiloculados, próximos da superfície ou que contenham líquido espesso. Drenagem completa do material purulento pode diminuir o período de antibioticoterapia. .

Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as mesenteric and cerebral abscess in HIV infection: case report

Disseminated tuberculosis in HIV infection involves multiple organs. Pulmonary and lymph node involvement are the commonest form of tuberculosis in HIV infection [1, 2]. Other forms of tuberculosis in the absence of lung and lymph node involvement are rare. Various forms of abdominal [3, 4] and neurological [5, 6] tubercular involvement in HIV infection have been reported. But tuberculosis presenting simultaneously with mesenteric and brain abscess has not been reported yet. We report a case of disseminated tuberculosis presenting as mesenteric and cerebral abscess in a HIV case without involving lung and lymph nodes. Bone marrow smears and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from mesenteric lesion were positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB) and the diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). He responded well to treatment with anti tubercular drugs.

Cerebral Candida abscess in an infant.

Brain abscess is uncommon in the pediatric population. Here, we report one such case due to Candida albicans in one-year-old infant, without any predisposing factors. The child presented with progressively increasing size of head circumference. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan of brain and microbiological investigations on the drained pus material. The patient responded to combination of surgery (drainage) and intravenous amphotericin B. Neurological development six months after hospital discharge was normal. The organism being a rare cause of cerebral abscess in pediatric population is reported here.

Disproportionate correlation between imaging and outcome in an infant with cerebral abscess

Brain abscesses represent organized foci of suppuration within the parenchyma. Here we report a 3 month-old girl with a very huge complicated cerebral abscess, and the course of treatment given. The patient's recovery was excellent. The follow up MRI showed only subtle porencephalic changes as the only parenchymal sequelae, which may be due to CNS plasticity in infants

Scedosporium apiospermum brain abscess: an emerging challenge

Invasive fungal infection of the brain in immunocompromised patients is frequently fatal. New opportunistic fungal infections with resistance to many antifungal agents are identified. Scedosporium species [Pseudallescheria boydii] is one of them. Fortunately, the infection is not common and only occasional cases are encountered. A case of Scedosporium brain abscess was treated in a relatively preserved, immunocompromised elderly lady who did not respond to antifungal treatment with voriconazole. This is the first case of Scedosporium brain abscess to be reported in the Gulf. An emerging medical challenge is highlighted and the literature reviewed

Klebsiella pneumoniae brain abscess in two neonates.

We report two premature infants who developed multiple brain abscesses following Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Both the cases were diagnosed by ultrasonogram (USG) and cranial tomography. Abscess had intraventricular communication in one case. One infant was managed conservatively while the other required surgical drainage.

Citrobacter freundii infection in glutaric aciduria type 1: adding insult to injury.

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is an inborn error of organic acid metabolism, where the brain is the principal organ affected with exposure to toxic metabolic product, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OHGA). A 2-year-old boy with GA1 and delayed developmental milestones had an acute neurological crisis leading to massive brain abscess with Citrobacter freundi infection, a rare cause of neonatal meningitis and often associated with brain abscess. Both 3-OHGA and C. freundii can damage the blood-brain barrier and can cause significant trauma which demands immediate and appropriate management. Encephalopathic manifestations of GA1 may consequently increase the risk of meningeal infection and it has not been previously documented.

Effects of dexamethasone in primary intracerebral hemorrhage in the south west of Iran

Previous study revealed the value of dexamethasone in the treatment of vasogenic edema associated with brain tumor and abscess. However there are poor documented studies about its usefulness in primary intracerebral hemorrhage. In this study we evaluated dexamethasone effects in primary intracerebral hemorrhage. In a double blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial we evaluated 200 intracerebral hemorrhage cases between 40 to 80 years old whom were admitted at Golestan Hospital [Ahwaz, IR] between March 2002 And March 2003. They were divided in two groups; dexamethasone [N=100] and placebo [N=100]. Then mortality, GI bleeding, fever, electrolytes disturbances, hypertension and hyperglycemic status were analyzed in two groups. Ethical considerations were employed and subjects were followed by appropriate statistical methods for 21 days to assess the major outcomes. Mortality was much higher in the dexamethasone group; Dexamethasone group [49.3%] and placebo [23.4%] and also fever was higher seen in the dexamethasone group; dexamethasone group [40.2%] and placebo group [24.7%] but there was not any significant statistical difference between two groups as regards other complications. Dexamethasone is widely used for cerebral edema associated conditions but in this study we saw that it's complications in intracerebral hemorrhage such as increasing fever and mortality are significantly higher. Hence it use for treatment of primary intracerebral hemorrhage should be reconsidered

Intracranial complications of chronic suppurative otitis media

To study the presentations of various intra cranial complications of chronic suppurative otitis media [SOM]. This prospective and descriptive study was conducted in the department of ENT, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from April 2006 to march 2007. All the cases with suspected intra cranial complications were admitted to the department and assessed clinically and radiologically. Audiological, and laboratory investigations were done as well. Out of 50 cases 36 were male and 14 female ranging from 10-40years in age. Complications like meningitis and brain abscesses were more common in males in the 2[nd] and 3[rd] decade of life [72%]. Most of the complications were from atticoantral diseases. The main presenting features were foul smelling otorrhea, headache, and fever, neck stiffness, chloestosteatoma and granulations in the ear. Meningitis [46%], temporal lobe abscess [36%] and extra dural abscess [14%] were the commonest complications. Burr hole aspiration, for intra cranial abscess and radical/modified radical mastoidecomy for SOM were the main surgical procedure carried out for these patients. Otogenic intra cranial complications like meningitis and brain abscesses are still common in spite of advances in the medical sciences. Complications are common in 2[nd] and 3[rd] decade of life. Meningitis is the commonest complication followed by brain abscess Burr whole aspiration with modified, radical mastoidectomy is the main stay of treatment along with parenteral antibiotics

Cerebral abscess caused by Serratia marcescens in a premature neonate

BACKGROUND: Cerebral abscesses are extremely rare in neonates. Serratia marcescens is an unusual cause of sepsis and neurological spread is especially ominous. PURPOSE: To report the case of a 34-week neonate who developed this rare condition and to discuss diagnostic and therapeutic measures. CASE REPRT: A 34-week male neonate sequentially developed respiratory distress syndrome, early sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis; later cultures revealed S. marcescens. After deterioration, a cerebral abscess became evident, which revealed S. marcescens. Clinical improvement ensued after high-dose amikacin and meropenem. CONCLUSION: Clinical signs are often non-specific. Proper diagnostic measures, neurosurgical consultation and aggressive antibiotic therapy are essential for these high-risk neonates.

INTRODUÇÃO: Abscessos cerebrais são extremamente raros em neonatos. Serratia marcescens é causadora incomum de sepse nestes pacientes e a disseminação no sistema nervoso central é grave. OBJETIVO: Relatar um prematuro de 34 semanas que desenvolveu esta condição e discutir as medidas diagnósticas e terapêuticas. RELATO DE CASO: Prematuro masculino de 34 semanas desenvolveu síndrome do desconforto respiratório, sepse neonatal e enterocolite necrotizante; hemoculturas revelaram S. marcescens. Após deterioração clínica, evidenciou-se um abscesso cerebral cuja drenagem revelou S. marcescens. Houve melhora após introdução de amicacina e meropenem. CONCLUSÃO: Os sinais clínicos são inespecíficos. Passos diagnósticos apropriados, avaliação neurocirúrgica precoce e antibioticoterapia agressiva são essenciais para estes prematuros.

Cerebellar abscess by Gemella morbillorum in a patient with inter-atrial communication

Gemella morbillorum, a commensal of the oropharynx, upper respiratory, urogenital and gastrointestinal tract is rarely associated with infections in humans. However, an increasing number of infectious processes in different locations have been reported. Cerebral abscesses caused by these bacteria are extremely uncommon with only four cases previously described in the literature. We present the case of a cerebellar abscess by Gemella morbillorum in a 50 years-old man with inter-atrial communication dealt by surgical excision and antimicrobial therapy.

Gemella morbillorum, uma bactéria comensal da orofaringe, vias aéreas superiores e aparelhos urogenital e gastrointestinal, raramente causa infecções em humanos. No entanto, um crescente número de processos infeciosos em diferentes localizações tem sido referido. Abcessos cerebrais provocados por esta bactéria são extremamente raros, encontrando-se apenas quatro casos previamente descritos na literatura. Apresentamos o caso de um abscesso cerebelar por Gemella morbillorum em um homem de 50 anos com comunicação inter-atrial, tratado por excisão cirúrgica e terapêutica antimicrobiana.