outcome of pyogenic brain abscess since the advent of C.T. scanning

ABSTRACT

Twenty-four patients with intraparenchymal brain abscesses were treated at the University Hospital during the last 2 years [1989-1990]. Since computerized tomographic [CT] brain scanning became a routine diagnostic procedure. In 18 cases, the source of infection was within or near the cranial cavity. The right cerebral hemisphere was affected more than the left. All the patients had received broad spectrum antibiotics before doing operation. Two patients were treated by aspiration alone with good results. Twenty cases were treated by excision of the encapsulated abscess. The use of serial CT scans permits postponement of surgery until the abscess wall is completely formed, which facilitates the total removal. The mortality rate was only 12.8%