MR demonstration of brain abscess rupture into the subarachnoid space and its possible implication in management.
BACKGROUND
Rupture of brain abscess into the subarachnoid space as a cause of meningitis is rare. Early diagnosis improves the outcome. There is no previous report of MR demonstration of rupture of brain abscess into the subarachnoid space.


METHODS
Two young adults with chronic suppurative otitis media presenting with signs of increased intracranial pressure and meningeal irritation underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which showed brain abscess with evidence of rupture into the subarachnoid space and meningitis. This helped in early diagnosis and aggressive management.


CONCLUSIONS
In cases of brain abscess where meningitis is suspected clinically, documentation of rupture of the abscess into the subarachnoid space will help in avoiding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination that may be disastrous in these patients who already have increased intracranial pressure.
Chawla
Jayant
J
Department of Neurosurgery, King George's Medical College, Lucknow, India.
Husain
Mazhar
M
Vatsal
Devendra K
DK
Jha
Deepak
D
Husain
Nuzhat
N
Gupta
Rakesh K
RK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012421:Rupture / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery