Brain Abscess in Undiagnosed Tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in all ages worldwide. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) accounting for 10%. There have been several reports of neurological complications associated with TOF. Although it is known, brain abscess (BA) is a serious complication in patients with uncorrected CHD mostly in the age of 4-7 years-old. We report a case of a 7 year old male who presented with a 3 month history of left sided body weakness and a 3 week history of a headache and fever. Patient was chronically unwell since birth where he would experience occasional episodes of exertional dyspnoea which was never investigated. Chest xray showed a globular-shaped heart. CT scan brain showed a 1,8 x 1,3 x 1,5 cm ring-enhancing lesion in the right parietal region with minimal perilesional vasogenic edema communicating with the body of the lateral ventricle, with enhancement of the ependymal lining of the ventricle; echocardiography revealed ventricular septal defect (VSD), overriding of aorta, obstruction to right ventricular outflow tract and hypertrophy of right ventricle consistent with a diagnosis of TOF. We elected to manage the patient conservatively on intravenous antibiotics, Patient improved significantly neurologically and was transferred to the cardiothoracic surgeons for further management of TOF.