[Brain abscess following cerebral infarction: a case report].

The authors report a case of brain abscess following cerebral infarction. A 73-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with symptoms of right hemiparesis and total aphasia. CT scan revealed abnormal low density area in the left fronto-temporo-parietal region. Cerebral angiography demonstrated occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery at the M1 portion. On the 16th hospital day, an episode of generalized seizure with high fever appeared, and intermittent high fever persisted thereafter. Two months after admission, CT scan revealed several cystic lesions with marked ring enhancement at the site of cerebral infarction, suggesting multiple abscesses. Aspirations of left frontal and parietal abscesses were accomplished and the cultures of the pus disclosed Proteus vulgaris. Due to progressive hydrocephalus, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was constructed one month later. Repeated CT scans showed a gradual diminution of the abscesses. It is considered that the blood-brain barrier is broken and the local immunological system against bacteria may be weakened when the brain is damaged by ischemia. Brain abscess seems to be developed in such circumstances even under the influence of transient bacteremia which originates in other parts of the body. Therefore the possibility of cerebral abscess should be suspected if patients with cerebral infarction suffer from the symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness or disturbance of consciousness.