A CT-guided stereotactic management of brain abscess

A CT-guided stereotactic aspiration of brain abscess was performed in a series of 15 patients, of which 12 patients had single abscess formation while 3 patients had multiple brain abscess. During aspiration, no complications were encountered by the patients in the present series. All patients received broad-specturm antibiotic treatment and anticonvulsants; whereas low dose steroids was administered to patients with significant mass effect causing increased intracranial pressure (IICP). After the operation, brain CT scans revealed immediate shrinkage of the abscess cavity and gradual disappearance of the enhanced ring. The duration of follow up was from 8 to 48 months (average 20.1 months). Following surgery, 11 out of 15 patients (73.3%) had minimal or no additional disability as assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale. One patient had moderate disability with residual hemiparesis, and three patients (20%) died from progression of systemic disease. However, no relationship between the presence of brain abscess and the cause of death could be established. The primary cause of death may be the general condition and the underlying disease of patients. Thus stereotactic aspiration appears to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of brain abscess.