ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS OF BRAIN ABSCESS
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Abstract
Objectives: To find out the etiological factors of brain abscesses in patients admitted in Hayatabad Medical Complex,
Peshawar in the year 2009.
Material and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in the Neurosurgery Units of Hayatabad Medical
Complex, Peshawar from January to December 2009. Forty eight consecutive cases with brain abscesses were
included in the study. Diagnosis of brain abscess was established in all patients with CT scanning. The patients were
evaluated for the predisposing factors.
Results: The study population included 31 males and 17 females. Mean age was 29.2 ± 2.3 years. The predisposing
factors for brain abscess were noted in 43 (89.6%) patients while no etiological factor was found in 5 (10.4%).
Contiguous focus of infection was found in 18 (37.5%) patients, hematogenous spread in 16(33.3%) and direct
inoculation in 9 (18.8%) patients.
Conclusion: Brain abscess is a fatal condition. Every patient with brain abscess should be evaluated for a possible
source of infection. Contiguous focus of infection is the commonest etiological factor. However in a few cases, no
source of brain abscess can be found. Particular attention should be given to the early recognition of etiological
sources and proper prophylactic approach should be adopted to prevent development of brain abscess.
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