Brain Abscesses in the Young

Abstract

Brain abscesses in the young are rare. Only 14 such abscesses have been seen at Texas Children's Hospital since 1968. Most abscesses developed In association with congenital heart disease (5), although sinusitis and mastoiditis were precipitating causes in two patients and one patient, respectively. The latter three patients' cases are reviewed in detail. Clinical and bacteriologic findings in all patients are discussed. There were signs of increased intracranial pressure in nine patients (64%). All abscesses were drained; in several, repeated drainage was necessary. Anaerobic organisms were recovered in six patients (43%), aerobic organisms were recovered in five (36%), and both were recovered in two (14%). In one patient no growth was reported. Antimicrobial therapy was administered to all patients but one, whose abscess was completely excised. Morbidity and mortality remained significant: Three patients (21%) died and one has a residual hemiparesis.