Brain abscess: a complication of oesophageal dilatations

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Updated: Oct 29, 2026

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Published on: January 13, 2017

A Neuman, O Z Lernau, M Goldberg

    Zeitschrift Fur Kinderchirurgie : Organ Der Deutschen, Der Schweizerischen Und Der Osterreichischen Gesellschaft Fur Kinderchirurgie = Surgery in Infancy and Childhood
    |February 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Repeated esophageal dilatations for lye strictures can lead to rare but serious complications like brain abscesses. This case highlights the importance of considering metastatic brain abscesses in patients undergoing long-term esophageal dilation therapy.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Surgery
    • Gastroenterology
    • Neurosurgery

    Background:

    • A 16-month-old boy presented with a complex esophageal stricture resulting from lye ingestion.
    • Initial surgical attempts at local resection of the 3 cm stricture were unsuccessful, necessitating further interventions.

    Observation:

    • The patient underwent multiple esophageal dilatations for the lye stricture.
    • Following these dilatations, the patient developed a brain abscess, which required surgical drainage.
    • A subsequent right colon interposition was performed to bypass the esophageal stricture.

    Findings:

    • While bacteremia and fever are known complications of esophageal dilatations, metastatic brain abscesses are a rare occurrence.
    • This case demonstrates a rare but severe neurological complication associated with repeated esophageal interventions.

    Implications:

    • The development of a brain abscess underscores the potential risks associated with long-term, repeated esophageal dilatations.
    • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for metastatic brain abscesses in patients undergoing prolonged esophageal dilation treatment for benign strictures.
    • This case emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and consideration of alternative management strategies in complex esophageal stricture cases.

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