Multiple brain abscesses in a neonate: a rare case report along with review of literature

• Published in: Annals of medicine and surgery Vol. 86; no. 8; pp. 4793 - 4798
• Main Authors: Mehta, Aanand, Yadav, Manish, Gupta, Bishal K, Thapa, Bikash, Rai, Junu, Thapa, Surya B, Yadav, Sudip K, Yadav, Digraj, Sharma, Mohan R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Case Reports; multiple cerebral abscess; brain abscesses; neonates; candida brain abscess; candida abscesses
• ISSN: 2049-0801; 2049-0801
• DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002155

Brain abscess (BA) is a pyogenic infection of the brain parenchyma caused by various organisms. Multiple BAs are uncommon in neonates, and as a causative agent is very rare. If left untreated, BAs are invariably fatal. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention, simultaneous eradication of the primary source, and high-dose intravenous antibiotics decrease the incidence of morbidity and mortality. A 20-day-old newborn, delivered normally at term with a full APGAR score, presented with a 5-day history of fever, decreased activity, jaundice, and seizures. Imaging identified multiple cerebral cysts, diagnosed as multiple cerebral abscesses. Treatment involved intraoperative USG-guided burr-hole drainage, followed by a 6-week antifungal therapy course. was found to be the causative organism following microscopic examination and culture of the pus. This literature highlights the rarity of fungal involvement in multiple cerebral abscesses in neonates. Managing such cases is very challenging, as the presentation may mimic bacterial infections. The importance of considering fungi as a causative agent in treatment decisions is crucial. Multiple BAs of fungal origin are extremely rare. Early detection and management of cases can reduce mortality among neonates.