Childhood brain abscess in Saudi Arabia

The characteristics of childhood brain abscess in Saudi Arabia are outlined in this review of 17 consecutive cases treated at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) between 1985 and 1994. The data on 20 consecutive adults with brain abscess treated at KKUH during the same period were also analysed. Compared with series from the West, the children were unusual because of the relatively low incidence of cardiogenic and anaerobic abscesses and the relatively high incidence of post-traumatic, infratentorial and staphylococcal abscesses and sterile cultures. Compared with cases of brain abscess in adults, the children showed a much lower incidence of idiopathic abscess, a higher incidence of infratentorial abscess and a much better outcome. Factors accounting for the zero mortality rate in these children are discussed.