BRAIN ABSCESS IN A RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTING: Clinical Profile, Management Strategies, and Outcomes from a Single-Center Experience in Algeria

Background: Brain abscess is a life-threatening intracranial infection that remains a major challenge in developing countries despite advances in neuroimaging and antimicrobial therapy.

Objective: To analyze the clinical, radiological, microbiological, and therapeutic characteristics of brain abscess and identify prognostic factors influencing outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between 2019 and 2022 at the Neurosurgery Department of Frantz Fanon Hospital, Blida, Algeria. Patients with confirmed brain abscess were included. Clinical presentation, imaging findings, microbiological data, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Eleven patients were included (mean age: 28 ± 14.3 years; male predominance). Neurological deficit (80.5%) and intracranial hypertension (54.5%) were the most frequent symptoms. ENT infections were the main portal of entry. CT scan confirmed diagnosis in 87.8% of cases. The most common pathogens were anaerobes and Proteus mirabilis. Surgical drainage via trepanation was performed in 75% of patients. Morbidity was 40.6%, while mortality remained low (~1%).

Conclusion: Brain abscess remains a severe condition in resource-limited settings. Early diagnosis and combined medical-surgical management are essential to improve

outcomes.

Keywords: Brain abscess; intracranial infection; neurosurgery; prognosis; developing

countries