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Omland LH, Nielsen H, Bodilsen J. Update and approach to patients with brain abscess. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024; 37:211-219. [PMID: 38547383 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000001014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The epidemiology of brain abscess has changed in recent decades. Moreover, acute and long-term management remains challenging with high risks of mortality and neurological sequelae. This review describes recent advances in epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of brain abscess. RECENT FINDINGS The incidence of brain abscess is increasing, especially among elderly individuals. Important predisposing conditions include dental and ear-nose-throat infections, immuno-compromise, and previous neurosurgery. Molecular-based diagnostics have improved our understanding of the involved microorganisms and oral cavity bacteria including anaerobes are the predominant pathogens. The diagnosis relies upon a combination of magnetic resonance imaging, neurosurgical aspiration or excision, and careful microbiological examinations. Local source control by aspiration or excision of brain abscess combined with long-term antimicrobials are cornerstones of treatment. Long-term management remains important and should address neurological deficits including epilepsy, timely diagnosis and management of comorbidities, and potential affective disorders. SUMMARY A multidisciplinary approach to acute and long-term management of brain abscess remains crucial and source control of brain abscess by neurosurgery should be pursued whenever possible. Numerous aspects regarding diagnosis and treatment need clarification. Nonetheless, our understanding of this complicated infection is rapidly evolving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Haukali Omland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet
| | - Henrik Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bodilsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Bodilsen J, D'Alessandris QG, Humphreys H, Iro MA, Klein M, Last K, Montesinos IL, Pagliano P, Sipahi OR, San-Juan R, Tattevin P, Thurnher M, de J Treviño-Rangel R, Brouwer MC. European society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of brain abscess in children and adults. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024; 30:66-89. [PMID: 37648062 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE These European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guidelines are intended for clinicians involved in diagnosis and treatment of brain abscess in children and adults. METHODS Key questions were developed, and a systematic review was carried out of all studies published since 1 January 1996, using the search terms 'brain abscess' OR 'cerebral abscess' as Mesh terms or text in electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane registry. The search was updated on 29 September 2022. Exclusion criteria were a sample size <10 patients or publication in non-English language. Extracted data was summarized as narrative reviews and tables. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random effects model and heterogeneity was examined by I2 tests as well as funnel and Galbraith plots. Risk of bias was assessed using Risk Of Bias in Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) (observational studies) and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) (diagnostic studies). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was applied to classify strength of recommendations (strong or conditional) and quality of evidence (high, moderate, low, or very low). QUESTIONS ADDRESSED BY THE GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for diagnosis of brain abscess (strong and high). Antimicrobials may be withheld until aspiration or excision of brain abscess in patients without severe disease if neurosurgery can be carried out within reasonable time, preferably within 24 hours (conditional and low). Molecular-based diagnostics are recommended, if available, in patients with negative cultures (conditional and moderate). Aspiration or excision of brain abscess is recommended whenever feasible, except for cases with toxoplasmosis (strong and low). Recommended empirical antimicrobial treatment for community-acquired brain abscess in immuno-competent individuals is a 3rd-generation cephalosporin and metronidazole (strong and moderate) with the addition of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and voriconazole in patients with severe immuno-compromise (conditional and low). Recommended empirical treatment of post-neurosurgical brain abscess is a carbapenem combined with vancomycin or linezolid (conditional and low). The recommended duration of antimicrobial treatment is 6-8 weeks (conditional and low). No recommendation is offered for early transition to oral antimicrobials because of a lack of data, and oral consolidation treatment after ≥6 weeks of intravenous antimicrobials is not routinely recommended (conditional and very low). Adjunctive glucocorticoid treatment is recommended for treatment of severe symptoms because of perifocal oedema or impending herniation (strong and low). Primary prophylaxis with antiepileptics is not recommended (conditional and very low). Research needs are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bodilsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Quintino Giorgio D'Alessandris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Hilary Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mildred A Iro
- Department of Paediatric Infectious diseases and Immunology, The Royal London Children's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthias Klein
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Emergency Department, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Last
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland; Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Inmaculada López Montesinos
- Infectious Disease Service, Hospital del Mar, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; CIBERINFEC ISCIII, CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pasquale Pagliano
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy; UOC Clinica Infettivologica AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, Italy
| | - Oğuz Reşat Sipahi
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey; Infectious Diseases Department, Bahrain Oncology Center, King Hamad University Hospital, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Rafael San-Juan
- CIBERINFEC ISCIII, CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unit of Infectious Diseases, 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Tattevin
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Intensive Care Unit, Pontchaillou University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Majda Thurnher
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rogelio de J Treviño-Rangel
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico; European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG), Basel, Switzerland; European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Antimicrobial Stewardship (ESGAP), Basel, Switzerland; European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Genomic and Molecular Diagnostics (ESGMD), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Bodilsen J, Nielsen H. Early switch to oral antimicrobials in brain abscess: a narrative review. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:1139-1143. [PMID: 37119987 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early switch to oral antimicrobials has been suggested as a treatment strategy in patients with brain abscess, but the practice is controversial. OBJECTIVES This review aimed to summarize the background, current evidence, and future perspectives for early transition to oral antimicrobials in patients with brain abscess. SOURCES The review was based upon a previous systematic review carried out during the development of the ESCMID guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of brain abscess. The search used 'brain abscess' or 'cerebral abscess' as text or MESH terms in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Studies included in the review were required to be published in the English language within the last 25 years and to have a study population of ≥10 patients. Other studies known by the authors were also included. CONTENT In this review, the background for some experts to suggest early transition to oral antimicrobials in patients with mild and uncomplicated brain abscess was clarified. Next, results from observational studies were summarized and limitations discussed. Indirect support for early oral treatment of brain abscess was described with reference to other serious central nervous system infections and general pharmacological considerations. Finally, variations within and between countries in the use of early transition to oral antimicrobials in patients with brain abscess were highlighted. IMPLICATIONS Early transition to oral antimicrobials in patients with uncomplicated brain abscess may be of benefit for patients due to convenience of treatment and potential decreased risks associated with prolonged hospitalization and intravenous lines. The strategy may also confer a more rational allocation of healthcare resources and decrease expenses. However, the benefit/risk ratio for this strategy remains unresolved at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bodilsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; ESCMID Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Henrik Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; ESCMID Study Group for Infections of the Brain (ESGIB), Basel, Switzerland
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Su J, Hu B, Zhang Y, Li Y. Clinical and radiological characteristics of brain abscess due to different organisms in hospitalized patients: A 6-year retrospective study from China. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16003. [PMID: 37215846 PMCID: PMC10192766 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain abscess (BA) is a rare but life-threatening infection. Early identification of the pathogen is helpful to improve the outcomes. This study aimed to describe the clinical and radiological features of patients with BA caused by different organisms. Methods A retrospective, observational study of patients with known etiologic diagnosis of BA in Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in China between January 2015 and December 2020 was conducted. Data on patient demographics, clinical and radiological presenting features, microbiological results, surgical treatment, and outcomes were collected. Results Sixty-five patients (49 male, 16 female) with primary BAs were included. Frequent clinical presentations included headache (64.6%), fever (49.2%) and confusion (27.3%). Streptococcus viridans was associated with thicker wall of abscesses (6.94 ± 8.43 mm for S. viridans versus 3.66 ± 1.74 mm for other organisms, P = 0.031) and larger oedema (89.40 ± 15.70 mm for S. viridans versus 74.72 ± 19.70 mm for other organisms, P = 0.023). The independent factor associated with poor outcome identified by multivariate analysis was confusion (Odds ratio 6.215, 95% confidence interval 1.406-27.466; P = 0.016). Conclusions Patients with BAs caused by Streptococcus species had nonspecific clinical signs, but specific radiological features, which might be helpful for early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachun Su
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Evans TJ, Jawad S, Kalyal N, Nadarajah A, Amarouche M, Stapleton S, Ward C, Breathnach A. Retrospective review of the epidemiology, microbiology, management and outcomes of intra-cranial abscesses at a neurosurgical tertiary referral centre, 2018-2020. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2022; 21:58. [PMID: 36575518 PMCID: PMC9795649 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-022-00550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracranial abscesses are rare but serious, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Due to both the rarity and severity of these infections, well-controlled trials have not been reported in the literature, and optimal management is a matter for expert opinion. Advances in surgical management have improved outcomes and increased rates of microbiological diagnosis. However, the approach to antimicrobial chemotherapy varies considerably, including the choice of antibiotic, the duration of treatment, and the timing of oral switch. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 43 cases of intracranial abscesses from a large, tertiary neurosurgical centre in London, UK, between 2018 and 2020, including 29 primary intra-parenchymal abscesses, 11 subdural abscesses and 3 extradural abscesses. RESULTS The majority of cases had surgical intervention; 6/43 (14%) required repeat intervention (all intra-parenchymal abscesses). A microbiological diagnosis was made in 83% of cases. Intravenous antibiotics were given for a median of 33 days (IQR 23-44 days), with a variable duration of oral follow-on antibiotics. Total duration of antibiotic treatment ranged from 0 to 467 days. Only three patients from our cohort are known to have died. CONCLUSION Shorter courses of intravenous antibiotics for brain abscesses were not associated with increased mortality. In the absence of well-controlled trials, a national registry of intracranial abscesses would provide invaluable data to inform optimal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry John Evans
- grid.451349.eSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Jawad
- grid.451349.eSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nida Kalyal
- grid.451349.eSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Angelina Nadarajah
- grid.451349.eSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Meriem Amarouche
- grid.451349.eSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Simon Stapleton
- grid.451349.eSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Christopher Ward
- grid.451349.eSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Aodhan Breathnach
- grid.451349.eSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Tabourel G, Le Turnier P, Buffenoir K, Roualdes V. Robot-assisted stereotactic multiple brain abscesses' puncture: technical case report. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2022; 164:845-51. [PMID: 34410501 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04955-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of multiple brain abscesses' puncture, employing the ROSA™ Brain surgical robot (Zimmer Biomet) and the O-arm® O2 Imaging System (Medtronic). A 51-year-old man was diagnosed with multiple supratentorial ring enhancing cystic lesions consistent with brain abscesses. A neurological deterioration occurred despite broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, due to mass effect of the abscesses. Stereotactic aspiration was performed using the described technique, allowing a single stage puncture of the cerebral lesions. In this case, the robot-assisted and image-guided procedure permitted an accurate, quick, and efficient targeting of the multiple abscesses for drainage.
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Corsini Campioli C, Castillo Almeida NE, O'Horo JC, Esquer Garrigos Z, Wilson WR, Cano E, DeSimone DC, Baddour LM, Van Gompel JJ, Sohail MR. Bacterial Brain Abscess: An Outline for Diagnosis and Management. Am J Med 2021; 134:1210-1217.e2. [PMID: 34297973 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the diagnosis and management of brain abscess, significant associated morbidity and mortality remain high. We retrospectively reviewed adults who presented with pyogenic brain abscess from January 1, 2009, through June 30, 2020. Overall, 247 patients were identified. The median age was 59 years, and 33.6% had a history of head and neck surgery or traumatic brain injury. Diagnostic brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in the bulk (93.1%) of patients. A total of 205 patients (83%) were managed with medical and surgical treatment. The most common definitive antibiotic regimen was monotherapy (48.2%). The median duration of antimicrobial therapy was 42 days. Compared with those who received combined therapy, patients with medical therapy alone had a higher mortality rate (21.4% vs 6%; P =. 003) with more neurologic sequelae (31% vs 27.1%; P = .5). Most patients with brain abscesses are older with multiple underlying comorbidities, and one-third had antecedent head and neck surgery. A prompt combined surgical and medical approach with prolonged antimicrobial therapy may cure the infection with avoidance of permanent residual neurologic deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John C O'Horo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care
| | - Zerelda Esquer Garrigos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Walter R Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases
| | - Edison Cano
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
| | - Daniel C DeSimone
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases
| | - Larry M Baddour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases
| | - Jamie J Van Gompel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
| | - M Rizwan Sohail
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
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