Abstract

MELO, Natália et al. Multiple brain abscesses - A rare complication of bronchiectasis. Rev Port Pneumol [online]. 2009, vol.15, n.2, pp.319-324. ISSN 0873-2159.

Background: Brain abscess can arise as a complication of a variety of infections, trauma or surgery. Bacteria can invade the brain by direct spread or through haematogenous seeding. Brain abscesses are described as a rare complication of bronchiectasis. Case description: A 44 -year -old woman with pulmonary tuberculosis in childhood and with the diagnosis of bilateral extensive bronchiectasis who presented behaviour alterations and later, paresis of the sixth cranial nerve, was diagnosed multiple brain abscesses. The microbiological exams were negative. The study of the primary focus of infection could only identify infected bronchiectasis. Empiric antibiotics and anti-oedematous treatment were prescribed with progressive clinical improvement. Because of inadequate response she was submitted to surgery. She was discharged with diplopia, without any other neurological alterations. Conclusion: In the present clinical case, the infected bronchiectasis were the only focal infection detected, so in patients with this disease and with new neurological manifestations, infected lesions in the central nervous system should be excluded.

Keywords : Bronchiectasis; brain abscess.

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