Brain abscess as a rare complication of endovascular coiling for cerebral aneurysm: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND

Brain abscess following coil embolization of aneurysms is rare, with only few cases described in the literature. Herein, we report this specific case and review the existing literature on this rare infectious complication associated with the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51-year-old patient developed a brain abscess 3 months after endovascular embolization of a giant internal carotid artery aneurysm. The patient experienced rapid clinical deterioration, requiring emergency surgical intervention for abscess drainage and decompressive craniectomy. Cultures of the abscess revealed the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis, both coagulase-negative staphylococci. Besides the intensive care, the patients died of sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Perianeurysmal brain abscess in patients undergoing aneurysm coil embolization is a rare but potentially life-threatening. Treatment generally follows the protocol applied to cerebral abscesses in other conditions, involving surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy. However, before proceeding with drainage, it is crucial to confirm the absence of residual aneurysm or recanalization of a previously treated aneurysm to avoid hemorrhage risks.