Case-based update: primary intraventricular brain abscess in a 10-year-old child

Brain Abscess Caused by Eikenella corrodens in an Immunocompetent Child: Case Report and Literature Review

Objective Eikenella corrodens is a slow-growing, fastidious, non-motile, facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative bacillus that is commonly found in the human oropharynx. Although many cases have been reported in the adult population, only few cases of brain abscesses caused by E.corrodens have been reported in children so far.

Methods Here, we reported the case of a 29-month-old female with complaints of weakness in the right leg twice in the past 3 weeks. Imaging studies revealed a brain abscess in the left parietofrontal lobe. The patient underwent surgery for abscess drainage, microbiological samples were obtained and empirical antibiotic treatment was started. Abscess culture showed the growth of E.corrodens. The bacteria were found to be sensitive to ceftriaxone; hence, the therapy was continued for 46 days with ceftriaxone. A final computed tomography showed the resolution of the abscess. The patient's clinical condition improved and she was discharged without any sequelae.

Conclusion Brain abscess should be considered when patients present with neurological deficits. As far as we know, there are only six reported cases of brain abscesses only due to E.corrodens in the pediatric population. Since it is a slow-growing pathogen, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patient survival. This case supports the combination of surgical drainage and antibiotics for treatment.

Head and neck infections in children due to Eikenella corrodens: Report of three cases and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Eikenella corrodens is a small, nonmotile Gram-negative rod that is part of the normal flora in the mouth, upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. It is classically found in human bite (fist to mouth) infections but is also seen in respiratory tract and head and neck infections.

METHODS

We describe three cases of E. corrodens causing head and neck infections in children seen in our institution between 2013 and 2019. We also reviewed the available literature on pediatric head and neck infections caused by E. corrodens.

RESULTS

All 3 children recovered and fit the trends identified in the 58 patients published in the literature from 1976 to 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

E. corrodens is responsible for a range of head and neck infections in pediatric patients. It is a not infrequent cause of head and neck infections in children and should be considered when selecting presumptive antibiotic therapy.

Primary intraventricular abscess of the third ventricle

Intraventricular abscess is a rare pathology. We present a case of primary intraventricular abscess in an immunocompetent 22 year old male. We review the literature and discuss our management of this case with aspiration via neuroendoscopy.