Skull Base Sphenoid Bone: A Potential Route of Brain Abscesses Induced by Odontogenic Infection

Odontogenic foci are rarely linked with brain abscesses. The lack of an effective approach to match the causative origin with the infection can lead to late medical response of patients. Here we present a case of a 53-year-old man with brain abscesses that was probably caused by odontogenic foci. The imaging examinations clearly showed the periodontitis of mandibular left second molar and the destruction of greater sphenoid wing. Therefore, possible routes of extension through masticator space abscesses were indicated. For early infection of the maxillofacial space caused by potential odontogenic lesions, oral surgeons should eliminate the potentially odontogenic foci and use computerized tomography imaging to determine the existence of bone destruction around the oral cavity such as the skull to prevent further bone defect complications such as brain abscesses.