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Multiple intracranial abscesses: Heralding asymptomatic venosus ASD
Praveen K Gupta1, Rehab Ali Marzook2, Leena Sulaibeekh3
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Salmania Medical Complex, BDF Hospital, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Asian Journal of Neurosurgery
|February 20, 2014
Summary
A young girl developed multiple brain abscesses after chickenpox, requiring surgical aspiration for hydrocephalus. She later underwent successful treatment for a congenital heart defect, sinus venosus atrial septal defect.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Presents a rare case of multiple intracranial abscesses in an immunocompetent child.
- Highlights the potential neurological complications following viral infections like chickenpox.
Observation:
- A young girl developed multiple brain abscesses two weeks post-chickenpox.
- Initial medical management of abscesses was complicated by obstructive hydrocephalus requiring stereotactic aspiration.
- Gram stain revealed gram-positive cocci in chains, though cultures were sterile.
Findings:
- Successful medical and surgical treatment led to complete resolution of brain abscesses over 30 months.
- Follow-up revealed a previously undetected sinus venosus atrial septal defect (ASD) with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage.
- The patient underwent successful surgical correction of the congenital heart defect.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation for concurrent conditions, even after initial recovery from a primary illness.
- Demonstrates the successful management of complex neurological and cardiac conditions in a pediatric patient.
- Underscores the long-term resolution of intracranial abscesses and the successful correction of associated cardiac anomalies.
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