Brain abscess in Iraq during a 10 years period: part 1. epidemiology, aetiology and clinical picture

ABSTRACT

This study comprises two parts, [this part deals with epidemiology, aetiology and clinical features of brain abscess during a 10 years period, while the second will deal with diagnostic investigation, management and final outcome of brain abscess. The case records of patients with brain abscess admitted to the neurosurgical specialties hospital in Baghdad over a 10 years period extending from 1[st] Jan. 1993 to 31[s] Dec. 2002, inclusive were reviewed. Data obtained included demographic and clinical data. A total of 78 cases [1.2% of total admission] of brain abscess were admitted. Their age ranged from one month to 68 years. The most common aetiological factor was cyanotic heart disease, with the congenital anomaly being unrepaired in all cases. Remote infection foci other than the heart represented minority. Half of the cases had a rapid onset and fluminant progression. The presenting features of the patients older than one year were raised intracranial pressure, and focal neurological deficit and infection. Maintaining a high index of clinical suspicions in patients having one of the infection sources together with neurological signs should be emphasized