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The Diagnostic Challenge of the Pediatric Brain Abscess

Kevin Rivera1, Robert Truckner2, Anthony Furiato1

  • 1Emergency Medicine, HCA Healthcare/University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Consortium: Brandon Regional Hospital, Brandon, USA.

Cureus
|June 9, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric brain abscess (PBA) is a rare but serious condition. Early diagnosis is crucial, especially in children with developmental challenges, to prevent high mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pediatric brain abscess (PBA) is a rare condition with potentially high mortality if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
  • Clinical presentations of PBA are often vague and diverse, complicating emergency department diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A four-year-old male with autism presented with decreased activity for four days following a fall.
  • The patient experienced a critical and rapidly deteriorating clinical course.

Findings:

  • Operative intervention confirmed the diagnosis of a pediatric brain abscess.
  • Altered mental status in developmentally challenged pediatric patients presents significant diagnostic challenges.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering PBA in the differential diagnosis of altered mental status in pediatric patients, particularly those with developmental disabilities.
  • Timely recognition and intervention are critical for improving outcomes in pediatric brain abscess cases.

Keywords:
altered mental statusincreased intracranial pressureintracranial abscesspediatrictraumatic brain injury

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