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Abscess superimposed on brain tumor: two case reports and review of the literature
S I Nassar1, F S Haddad, F S Hanbali
1Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
Background:
An abscess involving an already present brain tumor is a rare occurrence.
Method:
Two cases of an abscess superimposed on a brain tumor are presented and discussed. The medical literature is reviewed, and all reported cases are compared to our own.
Results:
Only 15 cases of an abscess associated with a brain tumor were found in the literature, to which we add 2 of our own. About 60% were intrasellar or parasellar tumors. The origin of such an abscess at this location is by direct extension of the germs from a contiguous infected sinus. Our 2 additional cases were away from the sinuses. One is an ependymoma of the posterior fossa, and the other, a falcotentorial occipital meningioma, each with a superimposed abscess.
Conclusions:
We propose an alternate route for the formation of an abscess in conjunction with a brain tumor.
Insights
Brain tumors rarely develop abscesses. This study presents two new cases, totaling 17, suggesting alternative formation pathways for these rare brain abscesses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Brain abscesses are uncommon, particularly when co-occurring with primary brain tumors.
- This study investigates the rare phenomenon of abscess formation in patients with pre-existing brain tumors.
Observation:
- Two unique cases of brain abscess superimposed on tumors are presented.
- A comprehensive literature review identified 15 prior cases, bringing the total to 17.
- Intrasellar or parasellar tumors accounted for approximately 60% of reported cases, often linked to contiguous sinus infections.
Findings:
- The two presented cases involved tumors distant from sinuses: a posterior fossa ependymoma and a falcotentorial occipital meningioma, each with a superimposed abscess.
- This suggests non-contiguous routes for abscess development in brain tumors.
- The etiology of abscesses in non-sinus-adjacent tumors requires further elucidation.
Implications:
- Proposes novel pathways for abscess formation in brain tumors beyond direct contiguous spread.
- Highlights the importance of considering alternative etiologies in the diagnosis and management of brain abscesses associated with tumors.
- Contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between brain tumors and infectious processes.