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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:46
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Brain abscess in a neonate: an unusual presentation
Ricardo Santos de Oliveira1, Vitor Ferreira Pinho, João Flávio Gurjão Madureira
1Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Campus Universitário, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil. rsoliveira30@yahoo.fr
Summary
Neonatal brain abscesses are rare, with Staphylococcus aureus being an unusual cause. This case highlights atypical presentations and successful surgical treatment in a term infant.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Infectious diseases in pediatrics
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Neonatal brain abscesses are rare, often stemming from meningitis or septicemia, with gram-negative organisms being common culprits.
- Despite advances, mortality and morbidity remain significant in neonates with brain abscesses.
Observation:
- A term neonate presented with a multiloculated brain abscess caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
- The abscess developed without typical risk factors like trauma or immune defects.
- Initial imaging suggested a brain tumor due to atypical features.
Findings:
- Successful treatment was achieved through primary surgical excision of the abscess.
- A 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics complemented the surgical intervention.
- The causative organism, Staphylococcus aureus, is an uncommon pathogen for neonatal brain abscesses.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare pathogens in neonatal brain abscesses.
- Atypical clinical and imaging findings necessitate a broad differential diagnosis in neonates.
- Prompt surgical intervention combined with antibiotics can lead to favorable outcomes in complex neonatal brain abscesses.
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