Yuan Yi, Zhou Ping, Dong Xiaojun, Sun Yong, An Zongjian
Department of Neurosurgery, Woman and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
Am J Case Rep. 2025 Sep 22;26:e948196. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.948196.
BACKGROUND Brain abscess is a rare yet severe complication of neonatal meningitis, occurring in approximately 10% of neonates with this infection. This report details a case of neonatal brain abscess originating from a dermoid cyst. Although dermoid cysts are benign, they can rupture or become infected, leading to central nervous system (CNS) complications such as brain abscesses. Clinical manifestations can be subtle, often presenting as non-specific symptoms like headache, fever, and irritability, which can progress to severe neurological dysfunction or seizures. Early identification and intervention, including surgical and antimicrobial therapies, are crucial for improving outcomes. CASE REPORT We report a case of a neonatal dermoid cyst located at the cranial vertex, communicating with the intracranial cavity, and clinically presenting as a brain abscess. The patient had a favorable outcome following surgical intervention and anti-infective therapy. This case underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies in neonatal brain abscesses and emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment to optimize patient outcomes. A detailed discussion of the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies employed in this case shows their potential influence on clinical decision-making in similar situations. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the critical importance of precise diagnosis and timely intervention in optimizing patient outcomes. It also serves as a reminder for clinicians to carefully differentiate complications of purulent meningitis from other mimicking conditions, ensuring the implementation of appropriate treatment strategies to prevent severe complications. The insights gained from this case may inform the management of similar presentations, underscoring the necessity for a high index of suspicion and early intervention in neonatal brain abscesses.
脑脓肿是新生儿脑膜炎一种罕见但严重的并发症，约10%患有这种感染的新生儿会出现。本报告详细介绍了一例源于皮样囊肿的新生儿脑脓肿病例。虽然皮样囊肿是良性的，但它们可能破裂或感染，导致中枢神经系统（CNS）并发症，如脑脓肿。临床表现可能很隐匿，常表现为头痛、发热和易怒等非特异性症状，可进展为严重的神经功能障碍或癫痫发作。早期识别和干预，包括手术和抗菌治疗，对改善预后至关重要。病例报告：我们报告一例位于颅顶的新生儿皮样囊肿病例，该囊肿与颅内腔相通，临床上表现为脑脓肿。患者在手术干预和抗感染治疗后取得了良好的预后。该病例强调了在新生儿脑脓肿中考虑罕见病因的重要性，并强调了及时诊断和治疗以优化患者预后的必要性。对该病例所采用的诊断和治疗策略的详细讨论显示了它们在类似情况下对临床决策的潜在影响。结论：该病例突出了精确诊断和及时干预对优化患者预后的至关重要性。它还提醒临床医生要仔细区分化脓性脑膜炎的并发症与其他类似情况，确保实施适当的治疗策略以预防严重并发症。从该病例中获得的见解可能为类似表现的管理提供参考，强调在新生儿脑脓肿中保持高度怀疑和早期干预的必要性。
