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Intracerebroventricular Viral Injection of the Neonatal Mouse Brain for Persistent and Widespread Neuronal Transduction
Published on: September 15, 2014
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Case-based update: primary intraventricular brain abscess in a 10-year-old child
Patricia Barrio Fernández1, Javier Pérez Suárez1, A Martina Messing-Jünger2
1Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario de León, León, Spain.
Summary
A rare intraventricular abscess in a child with heart disease was successfully treated with antibiotics after being misdiagnosed as a tumor. Dental procedures can cause such central nervous system infections in susceptible patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Intraventricular abscesses are extremely rare, often arising from ruptured brain abscesses.
- Previous cases presented with subacute symptoms and diverse pathogens, sometimes mimicking intraventricular tumors.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old girl with cyanotic heart disease developed subacute headache and vomiting.
- Brain imaging revealed a left ventricular horn lesion, initially suspected as a tumor.
- Lumbar puncture confirmed central nervous system infection, leading to the diagnosis of an intraventricular abscess.
Findings:
- The abscess was caused by Eikenella corrodens, a common oral bacterium.
- Treatment with antibiotics and dexamethasone resolved symptoms and reduced abscess size.
- Dental cleaning was identified as a potential source of hematogenous spread.
Implications:
- Intracranial masses in patients with cardiac conditions warrant consideration of brain abscess.
- Eikenella corrodens, though rare, can cause intraventricular brain abscesses.
- Dental hygiene practices can pose risks for central nervous system infections in susceptible individuals.
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