Brainstem abscess of undetermined origin: microsurgical drainage and brief antibiotic therapy.
BACKGROUND
Solitary brainstem abscesses are rare and they are usually associated with other infections. They are severe conditions with high morbidity and mortality. The surgical options are stereotactic aspiration and microsurgical drainage. Systemic antibiotic therapy is used for more than six weeks.


METHODS
We present the case of a young man with a solitary abscess at the pons, without other systemic infections. The patient was treated by means of microsurgical drainage and antibiotic therapy for three weeks. His postoperative recovery was good.


CONCLUSIONS
A microsurgical approach may be considered to be an important option for large abscesses that are multiloculated, close to the surface or contain thick fluid. Complete emptying of the purulent accumulation may diminish the required duration of antibiotic therapy.
Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Pedro Tadao
PT
Hamamoto Filho
Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Marco Antonio
MA
Zanini
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000601:surgery*; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D010068:Oxacillin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D002443:Ceftriaxone; D010068:Oxacillin