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Brain abscess in an adult with atrial septal defect

Chong Won Sung1, Jae-Hun Jung, Sang-Hak Lee

  • 1Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym UniversityMedical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Clinical Cardiology
|February 4, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Brain abscess is a rare complication in adults, even with congenital heart disease. This case highlights a 41-year-old man with an atrial septal defect (ASD) who developed a brain abscess, successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Brain abscess is a known complication of congenital heart disease, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • The association between brain abscess and congenital heart disease is infrequently reported in adult patients.

Observation:

  • A 41-year-old male presented with altered mental status, indicative of a neurological issue.
  • Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a left frontal lobe abscess.
  • Echocardiography identified an atrial septal defect (ASD) with a bidirectional shunt.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent successful surgical excision of the brain abscess and received antibiotic therapy.
  • The underlying atrial septal defect (ASD) was subsequently closed using a transcatheter approach six months post-neurosurgery.
  • This case underscores the potential for brain abscess development in adults with undiagnosed or untreated ASD.

Implications:

  • Adults presenting with brain abscess should be evaluated for potential cardiac காரணங்கள், including atrial septal defects.
  • Early diagnosis and management of ASD can prevent serious neurological complications like brain abscess.
  • This case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cases involving neurological and cardiac conditions.

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