Related Experiment Videos
Cerebral abscess as a complication of cystic fibrosis
D M Cooper1, L E Russell, R L Henry
1Department of Paediatrics, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW Australia.
Abstract:
Two male patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), both 18 years old, developed frontal lobe brain abscesses. Both patients presented with histories of intermittent headache over several days and occasional vomiting. Headache was not more evident in the mornings and not associated with visual disturbance in either patient. Neither was hypertensive nor had visual disturbance. Both patients had documented pansinusitis and nasal polyposis. Both men had had few admissions for pulmonary exacerbations, and neither was significantly malnourished. The abscess in neither patient grew Pseudomonas species.
Insights
Two young men with cystic fibrosis (CF) developed frontal lobe brain abscesses. This case highlights a rare complication in CF patients, emphasizing the need for vigilance in neurological symptom assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system.
- Brain abscesses are rare but serious intracranial infections.
- Frontal lobe abscesses can present with non-specific neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- Two 18-year-old male patients with CF presented with headaches and vomiting.
- Both patients had a history of pansinusitis and nasal polyposis.
- Neurological examination revealed no hypertension or visual disturbances.
Findings:
- Both patients were diagnosed with frontal lobe brain abscesses.
- Abscess cultures did not yield Pseudomonas species, a common pathogen in CF.
- The patients had mild CF pulmonary exacerbations and were not malnourished.
Implications:
- Frontal lobe brain abscesses are a potential, albeit rare, complication in patients with Cystic Fibrosis.
- The presence of pansinusitis and nasal polyposis may be contributing factors.
- This underscores the importance of considering diverse neurological presentations in CF patients, even in the absence of typical bacterial culprits.