Importance of presumptive diagnosis of encefalic abscess in central nervous system

Abstract

Introduction: Brain abscesses are characterized by a exudate collection in the brain parenchyma able to reach individuals of any age, race and sex. Special attention should be given to these cases because their clinical presentation may mimic other diseases, making it important to extend the reasoning of possible differential diagnoses. This study is a case of a patient admitted to the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Sobral with clues suggestive of secondary headache. Methods: MEMA, 22 years, university, developed in eleven days unilateral headache in the left frontal region and pulsatile. The headache was of normal character, intensity was progressive, associated to nausea, improves with rest and analgesics and no reports of triggering factor. Results: Neurological examination revealed changes in mental status, with lack of immediate and recent memory, understanding and naming, in addition to temporo-spatial disorientation. It was observed in CT scan of skull (CTS) a left temporal hypodense image with hyperdense halo of enhancement after administration of contrast. Conclusion: The mortality in patients with brain abscess can vary between 10-40% and is strongly influenced by the clinical status of patients on admission. The warning signs of a headache, also known as red flags, are of high predictive value for secondary brain injuries and should be considered by health professionals who work in service of the emergency room. The CTS is an important tool for diagnosis and assessment of brain abscesses, and its early implementation of decisive prognostic factor for patients