[Brain abscess revealing trilogy of Fallot in a child: about a case at the University Teaching Hospital of Parakou, Benin]. / Abcès cérébraux révélant une trilogie de Fallot chez un enfant: à propos d'un cas au CHU de Parakou, Bénin.

Brain abscesses can cause significant morbidity in patients with cyanogen heart disease. In countries with limited resources treatment, it is difficult and prognosis is guarded. Here we report a case of brain abscesses revealing a rare form of cyanogen heart disease, the trilogy of Fallot, in Parakou in the north of Benin. The study involved a 9-year old boy, referred to a primary hospital for left hemiparesis. Interview and physical examination revealed symptoms evolving for two months including intense headaches, fever, vomiting and functional impairment of the left hemi-corps, altered general state, generalized cyanosis, left hemiparesis, pulmonary systolic murmur. Brain CT scan showed abscesses in the right parietal region and in the left temporal region as well as hydrocephalus. Doppler echocardiography showed stiff pulmonary stenosis, atrial septal defects and right ventricular hypertrophy. Antibiotic therapy including ceftriaxone, gentamicin and metronidazole was started in emergency. Indication for surgical intervention included trepano-puncture but this could not be performed due to rapid unfavorable outcome. Brain abscesses are a common complication of cyanogen heart disease. Outcome is fatal in the absence of adequate management, hence the role of diagnosis and early treatment of these heart diseases.