A rare complication of cyanotic CHD: brain abscess.

BACKGROUND

Brain abscess is a rare but life-threatening complication in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD), especially in those without prior corrective surgery.

METHODS

We report the case of a 36-year-old woman with unoperated cyanotic CHD who presented with neurological deficits. Diagnostic evaluation included cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Imaging revealed a brain abscess. Contributing factors included chronic hypoxia, polycythaemia, and right-to-left shunting facilitating systemic circulation of infectious agents. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the elevated risk of brain abscess in uncorrected cyanotic CHD and underlines the importance of early recognition and timely management to avoid fatal outcomes.