Cerebral Abscess: A Complex Complication of Odontogenic Infection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

¹Consultant, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, King Khalid Hospital, Najran Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
²Specialist, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Specialty Regional Dental Center, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
³Specialist, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Corresponding author: Braimah Ramat Oyebunmi, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Specialty Regional Dental Center, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Najran Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Received: October 03, 2019
Published: October 31, 2019

ABSTRACT

Cerebral abscess is a rare sequela of odontogenic infection. Neglected odontogenic infections can progress to extremely dangerous complications including; cellulitis, myofascial space abscess, osteomyelitis, lymphadenitis, bacteremia or sepsis and intracranial abscess. It is usually seen in immunocompromised patients however cases have been reported in immunocompetent patients. Intracranial spread of infection involves complex mechanisms and the following routes of spread have been well-documented; contiguous spread (otitis media, dental infection, mastoiditis, sinusitis). It can result from direct contiguous spread, hematological, lymphatics and direct inoculation from trauma or neurosurgery. Idiopathic or cryptogenic cause has also been reported in 15% of cases. Computed Tomographic (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are standard modalities of investigating these lesions. However, MRI is more sensitive than CT scan especially in the early cerebritis stage where CT scan with contrast may be normal. We report a case of cerebral abscess of odontogenic origin in a previously undiagnosed diabetic patient that was seen and managed in our health facility.

Keywords: Abscess; Immunocompromised; Cerebral; Odontogenic