Intraventricular rupture of brain abscess: A two-center observational cohort study

Dimitri T K Ndandja1, Gennady E Chmutin1, Gerald Musa2

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery and Neurological Sciences, People's Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba, Moscow, Russian Federation.

Abstract

Insights

Intraventricular rupture of brain abscesses is a severe complication. Abscesses within 5 mm of the ventricle are at high risk, necessitating aggressive management like early surgical drainage.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Intraventricular rupture of brain abscess (IVROBA) is a critical complication with high mortality.
  • Identifying predictors of IVROBA is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify measurable predictors of intraventricular rupture of brain abscess (IVROBA).
  • To determine the association between abscess proximity to the ventricular wall and rupture risk.
  • To evaluate the role of immunodeficiency as a risk factor for IVROBA.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a combined retrospective-prospective cohort of 104 patients with brain abscess.
  • Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses to identify predictors of IVROBA and unfavorable outcomes.
  • Assessment of demographic, clinical, radiological, and microbiological variables.

Main Results:

  • IVROBA occurred in 26.9% of patients and was the strongest predictor of mortality (aOR=14.2).
  • Minimal distance between the abscess capsule and the ventricular wall was the predominant risk factor, with rupture odds increasing significantly as distance decreased (≤5 mm: aOR=48.6).
  • Immunodeficiency (aOR=9.7) was an additional independent risk factor. ROC analysis identified ≤5 mm as the optimal cutoff for rupture risk (AUC=0.872).

Conclusions:

  • Abscess proximity to the ventricular system is the primary mechanical determinant of intraventricular rupture.
  • Brain abscesses within 5 mm of the ventricle require aggressive management, including early surgical drainage, to prevent rupture and ventriculitis.
  • Early identification of high-risk abscesses based on ventricular proximity can guide timely intervention and improve prognosis.