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Uncommon intracranial abscesses

DO Udoh1

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Nigeria.

Journal of the West African College of Surgeons
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Uncommon intracranial abscesses can arise from unusual causes like tuberculoma or cannabis abuse, often seen in low-resource settings. Early brain CT scans are crucial for diagnosis and management of these complex neurosurgical conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Intracranial abscesses are uncommon but present challenges in low socio-economic settings due to antibiotic misuse and limited diagnostic facilities.
  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment are exacerbated by poor referral systems and low clinical suspicion.
  • Unusual causes include tuberculoma, cannabis abuse, ventriculo-peritoneal shunt complications, and cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and discuss less common etiologies of intracranial abscesses.
  • To outline diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these rare neurosurgical conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Case series presenting five patients with intracranial abscesses from uncommon causes.
  • Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) brain scans were utilized for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Main Results:

  • Five patients underwent surgical evacuation of intracranial abscesses.
  • CT brain scans were instrumental in diagnosing the abscesses and guiding management.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent headaches or neurological symptoms in patients with other conditions warrant a brain CT scan.
  • Differential diagnoses for ring-enhancing lesions on CT, including abscesses, must be considered and excluded.
Keywords:
Contrast CT brain scanLocalisation and pathologyUncommon intracranial abscesses

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