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[Brain abscess in childhren: A ten cases report]
R M Pereira1, A E Scotoni, V M Belangero
1Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Jornal De Pediatria
|December 20, 2003
Summary
Brain abscesses in children are rare but serious, often linked to ear/sinus infections or heart conditions. Early diagnosis with CT scans and prompt treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Brain abscess is a rare condition in pediatric populations.
- It carries a significant mortality rate, necessitating focused clinical attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the clinical evolution of ten pediatric patients diagnosed with brain abscess.
- To analyze clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of ten pediatric cases of brain abscess from 1986-1995.
- Analysis included patient demographics, clinical presentation, radiological findings (computed tomography), etiology, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Patients ranged from 2 to 13 years old; 6 were female.
- Neurological symptoms predominated; risk factors included otorhinolaryngological infections and congenital cyanotic heart disease.
- Computed tomography confirmed diagnosis; most abscesses were single and frontal. Treatment involved antibiotics and surgical drainage, with five patients experiencing sequelae and one death.
Conclusions:
- Brain abscess should be considered in pediatric patients with neurological changes and risk factors like infections or congenital heart disease.
- Computed tomography is essential for diagnosis and management of pediatric brain abscess.