Intracerebral abscess: A rare complication of deep brain stimulation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Brandao, E (Author) Other; Rosas, MJ (Author) Other; Pedro Abreu (Author) FMUP; Linhares, P (Author) FMUP; Vaz, R (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Neurocirugia

Vol. 24

Pages: 33-36

ISSN: 1130-1473

Publisher: Sociedad Espanola de Neurocirugia

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 9 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-1DM

DOI: 10.1016/j.neucir.2011.11.008

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a therapeutic option for some forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). The main adverse effects of this surgery are: infection (2-9%), haemorrhage (1-4%) and seizures (1-3%). We report a rare complication of DBS: an intracranial abscess. Case report: A 59-year-old male who had suffered PD for 19 years was submitted to bilateral subthalamic nucleus DBS in September 2003, when he was 52. One month later, he developed an inflammatory reaction of the skin and subcutaneous tissue surrounding the area of the subcutaneous DES system. No infectious agent was isolated. In the following 12 months he required 5 major surgeries due to a process of systematic inflammation/infection throughout different locations of the DBS system. A few days after removal of the DBS device, he developed a right oculomotor nerve paresis and mild left hemiparesis. A CT scan revealed an abscess in the right thalamo-mesencephalic area. Both the new neurological deficits and the previous tremor and rigidity improved after surgical drainage and medical treatment. Conclusion: This case report illustrates a rare complication of DBS surgery. Nevertheless, Parkinsonism improved, probably because the abscess acted like a subthalomotomy.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4