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Published on: February 9, 2011
[Brain abscess caused by Haemophilus influenzae type E in a pediatric patient suffering from Apert syndrome]
Adela M Isasmendi1, José L Pinheiro1, Natalia García Escudé2
1Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital de Pediatría Dr. Juan P. Garrahan, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Insights
A rare brain abscess caused by Haemophilus influenzae type e occurred in a 12-year-old with Apert syndrome. Prompt diagnosis and treatment led to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Apert syndrome, a genetic disorder, involves premature cranial suture fusion.
- Patients with Apert syndrome may have increased susceptibility to infections.
- Previous head trauma and cerebrospinal fluid fistula can predispose to brain abscess.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old male with Apert syndrome presented with fever, seizures, and altered mental status.
- Imaging revealed a right frontal brain abscess with associated edema and pansinusitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid fistula secondary to prior trauma was noted.
Findings:
- Cultures identified Haemophilus influenzae serotype e as the causative agent.
- Initial empirical treatment included meropenem and vancomycin.
- Treatment was adjusted to ceftriaxone and metronidazole based on culture results.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of Haemophilus influenzae type e brain abscess in a patient with Apert syndrome.
- Early surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Understanding the interplay between genetic predisposition, trauma, and infection is vital for managing complex neurological cases.
Abstract:
We report a case of a brain abscess caused by Haemophilus influenzae type e in a 12 year-old patient suffering from Apert syndrome. Apert syndrome is characterized by the premature closure of cranial sutures. In 2010 the patient suffered head trauma in the frontal area with cranial fracture and a cerebrospinal fluid fistula. In February 2013 he was admitted to hospital with fever, vomiting and generalized tonic-clonic seizure with deteriorating mental status/progressive sensory impairment. The computerized axial tomographic scan showed a right frontal lesion, perilesional edema, mild ventricular dilatation and pansinusitis. A brain abscess was diagnosed and drained. The clinical sample was then cultured. A gram negative coccobacillus was isolated and identified as Haemophilus influenzae serotype e. Empirical treatment was started with meropenem (120 mg/kg/day) and vancomycin (60 mg/kg/day), which was later switched to ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg/day) and metronidazole (500 mg/8 h) after culture results arrived. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition.
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