Clinical Observation of Intracranial Abscesses

Chang, Jae Hoon; Choi, Byung Yearn; Kim, Heon Joo; Han, Yong Pyo; Choi, Joong Uhn; Kim, Young Soo; Chung, Sang Sup; Lee, Kyu Chang

Abstract

Sixty five intracranial abscesses were experienced from December , 1970 to August, 1981, of which fifty seven cases were operated. The clinical analysis and surgical experiences were summarized as follows. 1) The patients consisted of 45 male and 12 female and 31 patients(54.4%) were under 20 years of age. 2) Of the 57 patients, 45 patients(79%) had a demonstrable infectious source leading to the intracranial infection. There were 15 patients with ear infection and 13 patients with trauma. 3) Staphylococcus and streptococcus were the most common pathogens in this study. 4) Common symptoms of the patients were headache and fever, which were followed by mental disturbance and focal neurologic disturbance. 5) Brain CT scan offered accurate, non-invasive, rapid and easily repeatable means of diagnosis and following of lesions. After contrast infusion, ring enhancement had mostly thin and regular wall(88%). 6) The best operative methods of the brain abscess were aspiration and resection, or drainage and resection. The deep seated brain abscess, subdural abscess and epidural abscess could be treated using only drainage method with good results.