Pyogenic brain abscesses in Qatar: A national retrospective observational study

Pyogenic brain abscess is a life-threatening intracranial infection requiring timely diagnosis and coordinated medical-surgical management. Regional data from the Gulf area remains scarce.

We retrospectively analyzed demographic, clinical, microbiological, management, and outcome data from adults diagnosed with pyogenic brain abscess based on clinical presentation and neuroimaging findings at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar, between 2015 and 2023. Outcomes were categorized using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) as favorable (GOS 4-5) or unfavorable (GOS 1-3).

Forty-eight patients were included; 41/48 (85%) were male, with a median age of 34 years. Common comorbidities and predisposing conditions included diabetes mellitus, otitis/mastoiditis, and sinusitis. A microbiological diagnosis was established in 35/48 (73%) patients. The most frequently isolated pathogens were the Streptococcus anginosus group, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Surgical intervention was performed in 38/48 (79%) patients, and 35/48 (73%) achieved a favorable outcome. In unadjusted analyses, recent neurosurgical procedures and Gram-negative infections were more frequent among patients with unfavorable outcomes. These patients had lower baseline Glasgow Coma Scale scores and more frequently presented with altered consciousness.

In unadjusted analyses, favorable outcomes were more frequent among patients who underwent surgical intervention and those presenting with preserved consciousness. However, causality cannot be inferred.