References & Resources

Brain Abscess

Clinical Pearls

Pathogenesis

Disruption of natural protective mechanism of the brain: 

- surgery (skin commensals)

- trauma

- disease of neighboring structures

Systemic Immune compromise 

- immunosuppressants

- SOT/HSCT (esp fungal, TB, nocardia)

- HIV (toxoplasma, fungal, TB)

Cerebritis
- central necrosis with surrounding inflammation
- increased white matter edema
- increase in size of lesion with formation
Abscess formation:
- increased fibroblasts and neovascularisation
- thickening of capsule wall with collagenisation
Extra-capsular extension:
- oedema and inflammation progression