Clinical characteristics, complications, and outcome of brain abscess treated by stereotactic aspiration: a retrospective analysis
Yuxiang Cai, Jian Liu, Ge jia, Yonghong Hou, Yanjin Wang
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical presentation, imaging features, and outcome of patients diagnosed with brain abscess and treated by stereotactic aspiration. METHODS: tests. RESULTS: Overall, 120 patients were identified. The mean age was 49.7 years (range: 5-81); 59.2% were male. Seventy-nine patients (65.8%) had comorbidities, of which cardiovascular diseases was the most common. Most of the abscesses were solitary frontal or temporal lesions. A microbiological diagnosis was secured in 70 (58.3%) of cases, among which the majority were of the Streptococcus spp. Outcome was favorable in 107 (89.2%) of cases. The mortality rate during the initial hospital stay was 2.5%. A total of 10 individuals (8.3%) presented with preoperative delirium or coma, which was associated with an inferior clinical outcome compared to those who exhibited clear consciousness. (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic aspiration was a safe intervention with a low incidence of complications. The combination of stereotactic aspiration and antibiotic therapy was an effective treatment strategy for brain abscess. Patients who underwent stereotactic aspiration while in a state of disturbance of consciousness demonstrated a poorer outcome compared to those who were conscious. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.