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Rapidly growing head circumference as an isolated presenting symptom of brain abscesses in an infant
E Lahat1, M Livneh, J Schiffer
1Department of Pediatrics, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Zerifin, Israel.
Insights
Rapid infant head enlargement, a rare sign of multiple brain abscesses, was successfully treated. Prompt surgical drainage and antibiotics led to a full recovery in a 2-month-old.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Multiple cerebral abscesses are uncommon in infants.
- Enlargement of the occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) is a potential indicator of increased intracranial pressure.
Observation:
- A 2-month-old infant presented with rapid and excessive OFC enlargement as the sole clinical sign.
- No other neurological symptoms were initially present.
Findings:
- The enlarged OFC was attributed to multiple cerebral abscesses.
- Surgical drainage of the abscesses was performed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering cerebral abscesses in infants with unexplained rapid head growth.
- Early surgical intervention and antibiotic treatment can lead to favorable outcomes in such rare cases.
Abstract:
A rapid and excessive enlargement in occipito frontal circumference (OFC) as the only manifestation of multiple cerebral abscesses in infancy is extremely rare. A 2-month-old asymptomatic infant presenting with increasing OFC is described. Surgical drainage of the cerebral abscesses followed by prolonged antibiotic therapy resulted in complete recovery.