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Respiratory foreign bodies and Eikenella corrodens brain abscess in two children
S M Sane1, E N Faerber, K K Belani
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospitals and Clinics, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA.
Abstract:
We report the coexistence of aspirated foreign bodies and brain abscess in two boys. One child had aspirated a metallic needle, and in the other boy partially embedded sunflower seeds were found in the bronchial wall. Both patients had growth of Eikenella corrodens (oral gram-negative flora) from the abscess. Aspirated foreign body in the respiratory tract should be one of the diagnostic considerations if any of the normal oropharyngeal organisms such as E. corrodens is the causative organism of brain abscess.
Insights
Aspirated foreign bodies in the airway, like needles or seeds, were found alongside brain abscesses in two boys. The abscesses were caused by Eikenella corrodens, an oral bacterium, suggesting a link between respiratory foreign bodies and brain infections.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Brain abscesses are serious infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Identifying the causative organism is crucial for effective management.
- The role of aspiration in pediatric brain abscesses is not fully understood.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases presented with coexisting aspirated foreign bodies and brain abscesses.
- One child aspirated a metallic needle; the other had sunflower seeds lodged in the bronchus.
- Both patients had abscesses yielding Eikenella corrodens, an oral gram-negative bacterium.
Findings:
- Eikenella corrodens was isolated from the brain abscesses in both patients.
- The presence of aspirated foreign bodies in the respiratory tract was confirmed.
- This suggests a potential pathway for oral flora to cause brain abscesses.
Implications:
- Aspiration of foreign bodies should be considered in pediatric brain abscess cases, especially when oral organisms like E. corrodens are involved.
- Early detection and removal of respiratory foreign bodies may prevent serious complications like brain abscess.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking respiratory aspiration and brain infections in children.