[Cerebral infarction in a boy with subdural abscess]

M Fukuda1, T Ichiyama, T Hayashi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine.

Insights

A pediatric subdural abscess led to a left middle cerebral artery infarction. Angiography revealed internal carotid artery stenosis, suggesting the cause was angiitis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Subdural abscesses are rare in children and can lead to serious neurological complications.
  • Middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction can result from various causes, including arterial occlusion.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old boy presented with a left anterior cranial fossa subdural abscess.
  • Cranial computed tomography (CT) showed abscess progression and subsequent left MCA occlusion.
  • Cerebral angiography identified stenosis at the left internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation near the abscess.

Findings:

  • The imaging findings indicated an infarction in the territory of the left MCA.
  • The ICA stenosis adjacent to the subdural abscess suggested a potential link.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare presentation of pediatric subdural abscess complicated by cerebral infarction.
  • Angiitis of the internal carotid artery is implicated as the likely cause of stenosis and subsequent infarction.
  • Early diagnosis and management of such complex cases are crucial for favorable outcomes.

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