Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Brain abscess) that could possibly cause Brain abscess includes:
More causes: see full list of causes for Brain abscess
Other conditions that might have Brain abscess as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Brain abscess. Our database lists the following as having Brain abscess as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Brain abscess as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Brain abscess. Our database lists the following as having Brain abscess as a symptom of that condition:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Brain abscess may be found in:
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A brain abscess usually occurs secondary to some other infection, especially otitis media, sinusitis, dental abscess, and mastoiditis. Other causes include subdural empyema; bacterial endocarditis; human immunodeficiency virus infection; bacteremia; pulmonary or pleural infection; pelvic, abdominal, and skin infections; and cranial trauma, such as a penetrating head wound or compound skull fracture.
This condition also occurs in about 2% of children with congenital heart disease, possibly because the hypoxic brain is a good culture medium for bacteria. Common infecting organisms are pyogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans. Penetrating head trauma or bacteremia usually leads to staphylococcal infection; pulmonary disease, to streptococcal infection. In up to 25% of patients, an original source isn’t discovered.
A brain abscess usually begins with localized inflammatory necrosis and edema, septic thrombosis of vessels, and suppurative encephalitis. This is followed by thick encapsulation of accumulated pus, and adjacent meningeal infiltration by neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Increasing pressure in the brain results in more damage.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
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