Management outcome of NPC-related and non-NPC-related brain abscess in Hong Kong

(1) To review the patient profile, management outcome and prognostic factors of brain abscess; (2) To compare the neurological outcome of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)-related brain abscess with non-NPC related brain abscess.

Retrospective review of consecutive patients diagnosed (radiologically and/or microbiologically) with brain abscess in a regional neurosurgical center in Hong Kong over a nine year period.

Fifty-four patients were recruited into this study. There were 37 male and 17 female patients. Eighteen (33%) patients had previous radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Only 31 (57%) patients had fever on presentation. White cell count and/or C-reactive protein, was raised in 41 (76%) patients on admission. Surgical drainage was carried out in 49 (91%) patients, either by aspiration through a craniotomy, by drainage with corticotomy, or excision of the abscess. Abscess culture was positive in 45 (83%) patients. Common organisms isolated included Streptococcus species (35%) and Peptostreptococcus species (18%). Anaerobes were isolated in 50% of the NPC-related abscesses. The mean follow-up time was 34 months. At the 6 months interval, 24 (44%) patients had good recovery. Favorable outcome was achieved in 30 (55%) patients. NPC-related brain abscess was associated with unfavorable neurological outcome (33%, p = 0.04). There was also a trend towards higher in-patient mortality in patients with NPC-related brain abscess (22%, p = 0.08).

Brain abscess carried a substantial morbidity and mortality despite aggressive surgical and medical treatment. Patients with NPC-related brain abscess had a higher mortality and unfavorable neurological outcome.