Solitary brainstem abscess successfully treated by microsurgical aspiration

A case of pyogenic pontine abscess detected by computerized tomography scan in a 10-year-old boy is presented. While on broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment, he deteriorated and developed new symptoms of respiratory distress. Microsurgical exposure of the abscess and aspiration of pus resulted in rapid improvement in his neurological state and radiological resolution of the lesion. The aim of this article is to emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and the role of surgical drainage of pus in the management of brainstem abscesses.