Brain abscess caused by dental peri-implantitis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dentistry

Background:

• Brain abscesses are serious infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Peri-implantitis, an infection around dental implants, can have severe local and systemic consequences.
• Dental implant infections can potentially spread to adjacent anatomical structures, including sinuses and the brain.

Observation:

• A patient presented with severe headache and progressive aphasia, indicative of a large brain abscess.
• The source of infection was identified as end-stage peri-implantitis of an upper jaw dental implant.
• The peri-implantitis had caused contiguous spread, leading to maxillary and frontal sinusitis.

Findings:

• A multidisciplinary approach was employed, including antibiotics, craniotomy with abscess drainage, sinus surgery, and dental implant removal.
• Despite comprehensive treatment, the patient's outcome was fatal.
• This case represents the first reported instance of a brain abscess originating from peri-implantitis.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the critical importance of meticulous oral hygiene in patients with dental implants.
• Underscores the necessity of regular dental implant recall appointments for early detection of complications.
• Highlights the potential for severe neurological complications arising from neglected oral infections.