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Stereotactic Management of Bacterial Brain Abscesses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Sohrab Shahzadi ,
Andres M. Lozano ,
Mark Bernstein ,
Abhijit Guha  and
Ronald R. Tasker
Sohrab Shahzadi
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery, The Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto
Andres M. Lozano*
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery, The Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto
Mark Bernstein
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery, The Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto
Abhijit Guha
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery, The Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto
Ronald R. Tasker
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery, The Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto
*
Division of Neurosurgery, The Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto. Suite 2–433, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T2S8
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Abstract:

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Background:

CT and MR guided stereotactic techniques have provided promising results in the management of brain abscesses. We reviewed our results of stereotactic management of brain abscesses in 20 consecutive patients with 28 abscesses from 1986 to 1993.

Methods:

13 abscesses were in the cerebral hemispheres, 12 in the cerebellum, 2 in the pons and 1 in the thalamus. The bacterial organism was isolated in 12 of the 20 cases. All patients, except one who had a tuberculous abscess, were on antibiotics for less than 7 weeks.

Results:

Although there were 3 patients in coma before surgery, the mortality rate was zero and 17 patients had an excellent recovery with 3 patients having a persistent mild neurologic disability. Stereotactic aspiration of the largest lesion in the patients with multiple brain abscesses combined with intravenous antibiotic therapy was sufficient for the resolution of all lesions. Two of our patients treated with antibiotics alone showed abscess progression with neurologic worsening.

Conclusion:

Stereotactic aspiration is safe, accurate, and when combined with the appropriate antibiotics, should be considered the procedure of choice in the management of brain abscesses.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 23 , Issue 1 , February 1996 , pp. 34 - 39
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1996

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