Skull Base 2010; 20(5): 389-392
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1254403
CASE REPORT

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Endonasal Trans-Ethmoidal Drainage of a Cerebral Abscess

Vincent Patron1 , Stéphane Orsel1 , François Caire2 , Pascal Turlure3 , Jean-Pierre Bessède1 , Karine Aubry1
  • 1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Limoges University Hospital Center, Limoges, France
  • 2Department of Neurosurgery, Limoges University Hospital Center, Limoges, France
  • 3Department of Clinical Hematology and Cell Therapy, Limoges University Hospital Center, Limoges, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 May 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

Cerebral abscesses are rare but often lethal complications of invasive Aspergillus sinusitis. Treatment is difficult and usually depends on a combination of neurosurgical drainage and intravenous antifungal therapy. We report a case of intracerebral frontal abscess in continuity with the anterior skull base in a 53-year-old immunocompromised female with invasive rhino-orbital aspergillosis. An aperture was created by drilling the anterior skull base during endonasal sinus surgery, and the abscess was drained through its lower pole. The aperture was left open after surgery to ensure complete abscess drainage. Follow-up at 8 months revealed no cerebrospinal fluid leak or meningitis, and no abscess recurrence. This case validates the feasibility of endonasal trans-ethmoidal drainage of intracranial abscesses.

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Vincent PatronM.D. 

Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Limoges University Hospital Center

2 avenue Martin Luther-King, 87000 Limoges, France

Email: vtromps@yahoo.fr