Sixty cases of brain abscesses in patients with cyanotic heart disease is reported. Forty four (73.3%) belonged to pediatric age group. There was only single case of infratentorial abscess located in the cerebellar paravermian region. The abscesses were multiloculated in 42%, multiple in 10% and solitary in 48% cases. Streptococci was the commonest (77%) micro-organism isolated from pus culture. Forty eight patients were treated by aspiration through twist drill, 7 patients conservatively and 5 had primary excision of abscesses. Forty four patients improved in their neurological status, three had fixed neurological deficits and 5 patients deteriorated further. There were 8 deaths. Complication like cyanotic spells was recorded in 17% cases treated by aspiration. None of the patients treated by twist drill aspiration had seizure. It is suggested that aspiration of abscesses through twist drill hole and antibiotic therapy could be the treatment of choice. Vascular slowing in a localised area resulting in infraction and thus preparing the focus for abscess formation is the possible mechanism in the evolution of these abscesses.
There are very few cases of post traumatic Spinal Epidural Hematoma (SEH) reported in literature. The authors have reported five such cases of SEH who have all had a history of trauma. All five cases underwent early surgical intervention and four of them recovered completely while one recovered with some post-operative neurological deficit. SEH must be considered when there is a history of trauma to spine to avoid unnecessary delay in initiating appropriate treatment.
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