Pregnancy complicated by recurrent brain abscess after extraction of an infected tooth.

BACKGROUND

Odontogenic infections are quite common and, in unusual cases, can extend beyond the oral cavity with potentially life-threatening complications.

CASE: A 35-year-old woman, G3P0020, underwent extraction of an infected left maxillary third molar tooth at 19 3/7 weeks of gestation and later presented with mental status changes. Computed tomography revealed left pterygoid muscle abscess, which progressed to brain abscess. She underwent multiple partial lobectomies to drain her recurrent brain abscess. The pregnancy continued until term, and she underwent a cesarean delivery.

CONCLUSION

Brain abscess is a rare but life-threatening complication of pregnancy. This case illustrates the potential complications after extraction of an infected tooth in pregnancy.