Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Brain abscess in children

Mehnaz Atiq1, Umair Syed Ahmed, Salman Saleem Allana

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. mehnaz.atiq@aku.edu

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|June 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric brain abscesses are serious infections, often linked to congenital heart disease. Early diagnosis and surgical drainage are crucial to improve outcomes and reduce high mortality and morbidity rates in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Brain abscess is a severe, life-threatening complication of various diseases.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are critical for favorable outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics, predisposing factors, microbiology, and outcomes of brain abscess in children.
  • To highlight the importance of early detection, especially in high-risk populations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 30 pediatric patients (under 15 years) with brain abscess.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, underlying conditions, microbiological data, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Common predisposing conditions included cyanotic congenital heart disease (37%), meningitis (20%), and septicemia (23%).
  • Streptococcus milleri group was the most common pathogen (52%) in patients with congenital heart disease.
  • All abscesses were large (>2 cm), treated with surgical aspiration or excision, with significant morbidity (73%) and mortality (17%).

Conclusions:

  • Brain abscess in children is associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly with delayed diagnosis and treatment.
  • Cyanotic congenital heart disease is a significant risk factor, necessitating a low threshold for diagnosis.
  • Timely surgical intervention is essential to improve patient outcomes.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...