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Órgano Oficial de la Sociedad
Latinoamericana de lnfectología Pediátrica.
Órgano de la Asociación Mexicana de
Infectología Pediátrica, A.C.
Órgano difusor de la Sociedad Española
de lnfectología

2025, Number 3

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Rev Latin Infect Pediatr 2025; 38 (3)

Rare complication of brain abscess in a pediatric patient: case report

Hernández CMÁ, Zambrano LMP

Language: Spanish
References: 16
Page: 126-130
PDF size: 801.15 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: brain abscesses are fatal infections if not treated promptly. They are more prevalent in children than in adults and are associated with higher mortality rates. They are generally preceded by respiratory infections such as otitis media and sinusitis. Combined treatment with antibiotics and surgical drainage is the most commonly used. The complications that may occur can be fatal, even with appropriate therapy. Clinical case: we present the case of a 3-year-old female preschooler with a history of respiratory symptoms who came to the emergency room with seizures and headache. The physical examination revealed left earache associated with pain and increased sensitivity in the mastoid region. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis (18,770/mm3) with neutrophilia, thrombocytosis 628,000/mm3, mild elevation of acute phase reactant CRP 8.35 mg/dL (normal values 0.10-0.30 mg/dL), and ferritinemia 250.20 ng/dL (normal values 7-140 ng/dL). Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, imaging studies were ordered. CT revealed hypodensity in the left hemisphere, confirmed by MRI, in addition to thrombosis of the left transverse sinus. During hospitalization, the patient received appropriate antibiotic treatment, anticoagulant therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin, and surgical management, with good clinical outcomes. Conclusions: brain abscess are fatal infections. In this case, after presenting two convulsive events associated with the imaging findings, early initiation of antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy, the patient had a favorable clinical evolution.


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