Otogenic Brain Abscess: Recent Experience of 13 Cases / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the modern antibiotic regimen has decreased the incidence of serious otogenic complications, the brain abscess is still one of the most significant life threatening complications of otologic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical aspects of patients with otogenic brain abscesses and to evaluate the appropriate treatment for the disease. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed 13 patients of otogenic brain abscess who were treated during a 7-year period. RESULTS: In all but three of the above cases, a stereotaxic CT guided aspiration of the brain abscess was performed prior to otologic surgery of the temporal bone. For the exceptions, the drainage of the brain abscess was performed simultaneously with a subtotal petrosectomy. After an average of 40.2 months of follow-up, none of the patients showed a recurrence or a neuro-logical deficit. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the adequate use of intravenous antibiotics and the drainage of the brain abscess followed by temporal bone surgery could decrease mortality and morbidity. Total removal of cholesteatoma and the use of parenteral antibiotics for 4 to 8 weeks are needed to eradicate a brain abscess.