CT image – guided stereotactic management of pyogenic brain abscesses

Abstract

Background. To evaluate efficacy of CT image - guided stereotactic aspiration and irrigation of pyogenic solitary and multiple brain abscesses. Methods. Between 1995 and 2011 21 patients with deep - seated and eloquent - region pyogenic brain abscesses, 14 males and 7 females, with age range from 12 to 76 years, were treated by CT image - guided stereotactic puncture - aspiration and irrigation of the cavity of abscesses. Diagnosis was based on CT scan with contrast and/or MRI. Procedure was made using L. Leksell stereotactic system, the abscess capsula was perforated and its content aspirated with special canulla. After that the cavity of abscess was irrigated with bacteriocidic solution. In 5 cases with multiple abscesses was performed a double stereotactic aspiration and irrigation. Results. Only in 5 cases a definite source of infection could be identified, and bacterial growth from aspirated content was positive in 3 cases. In all cases only one aspiration was required. In the initial - control postoperative CT minor hemorrhage was noted in 2 cases not requiring further intervention. [...].