title: Brain abscesses with Peptostreptococcus: not unusual after oesophageal dilatation.
abstract: A case of a brain abscess following oesophageal dilatation for caustic stenosis in a 67-year old woman is reported. Previously reported cases of brain abscess development after oesophageal dilatation are reviewed. Following oesophageal dilatation, bacteraemia and fever are common but the occurrence of metastatic brain abscesses is rare. The clinical presentation is non-specific, with high fever and neurological findings as most reported signs. The isolated organisms belong to the normal oropharyngeal bacterial flora. Prognosis is satisfactory after early diagnosis and correct management. As a result, clinicians dealing with oesophageal strictures should keep in mind that brain abscess formation is a potential complication of oesophageal dilatation.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, OLV Hospital, Aalst. ellenvaneven@hotmail.com
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van Even
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boel
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Vaerenbergh
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: De Beenhouwer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010462:Peptostreptococcus; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology