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Nocardia asteroides brain abscess following mastoidectomy
F Cox1, J E Hall, C E Ballenger
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912.
Pediatric Neurology
|May 1, 1986
Summary
A brain abscess caused by Nocardia asteroides in a child was successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics. This case highlights a rare complication following ear surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Nocardia asteroides is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious infections.
- Brain abscesses are rare but severe complications following otologic surgery.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 10-year-old boy developed a Nocardia asteroides brain abscess after mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty.
- The patient presented with neurological symptoms indicative of a brain abscess.
Findings:
- Combined surgical excision of the abscess and antibiotic therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole led to significant clinical improvement.
- Cultures confirmed Nocardia asteroides as the causative agent.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Nocardia infections in the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses, especially post-otologic surgery.
- Prompt diagnosis and combined treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in Nocardia brain abscesses.