Focal Intracranial Suppuration: Clinical Features and Outcome of 21 Patients
Keywords:
Clinical features, Diagnosis, Focal intracranial suppuration, OutcomeAbstract
Background: Focal intracranial suppurations are localised infections of the intracranial compartment. Their incidence is decreasing worldwide, but they still pose enormous challenges in management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and outcome of treatment in our series of patients with focal suppurations.
Methodology: This is a retrospective review of medical records, CT and ultrasound scans of cases of intracranial suppurations treated over a 5-year period. Patients admitted to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with a diagnosis of intracranial suppuration between 2004 and 2008 were reviewed. The diagnosis was based on radiologic evidence of intracranial collection which was confirmed to be pus following burr hole placement or craniectomy.
Results: There were 21 cases of which 13 were males and 8 were females. Their ages ranged from 1 to 32 years. Impaired consciousness and seizure disorders were the commonest presenting features. Patients who were fully conscious at the time of operation had a better outcome. The mortalities were patients who were comatose at the time of surgical intervention.
Conclusion: Early operation is important in ensuring a favourable outcome.
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