Brain abscess in childhood: A 25-year experience

The presentation, treatment and outcome of 98 children with brain abscesses at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, is reviewed. Middle ear disease and trauma were the commonest sources ofinfection in 60% ofpatients. The usual presentation was that of meningitis and it is recommended that computed tomography be perfonned before lumbar puncture in those patients with associated middle ear disease, trauma or sinusitis. With early treatment of both the abscess and the underlying source of infection, the mortality rate was 16%