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Subarachnoidal abscess associated with bacterial meningitis in infants--two case reports
S Nishizawa1, H Ryu, T Yokoyama
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka.
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Early neurosurgical intervention for subarachnoid abscess in infants is crucial. Prompt diagnosis via postcontrast CT and surgical drainage can prevent severe psychomotor retardation and improve developmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Severe bacterial meningitis can lead to serious complications in infants.
- Subarachnoid abscess, a rare complication, presents a significant neurosurgical challenge.
Observation:
- Two infants with refractory bacterial meningitis developed subarachnoid abscesses.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed characteristic bifrontal extracerebral abnormalities and enhanced cortical surfaces.
- Surgical exploration confirmed thick pus in the subarachnoid space.
Findings:
- One infant experienced appropriate development, while the other suffered severe psychomotor retardation due to associated complications like hydrocephalus.
- The extent of neurological damage correlated with the presence of additional complications.
Implications:
- Early detection of subarachnoid abscess using postcontrast CT is vital.
- Timely and extensive neurosurgical management, including craniotomy and pus removal, is essential for optimal psychomotor development in affected infants.