A Unique Case of Bilateral Frontal Lobe Abscesses in a Young Male

Abstract

A brain abscess is a serious complication that may arise from a source of infection from within the cranium or from an extracranial source. We discuss a unique case of a 36 year-old male with a history of heroin abuse who presented with pan-sinusitis and bilateral frontal lobe abscesses. The patient presented with the symptoms of prolonged drowsiness and a left eyelid infection for which he was already receiving treatment. He had a normal neurological exam upon admission. CT scan of the head was performed which showed left orbital cellulitis, pan-sinusitis, and bilateral frontal lobe abscesses. A follow-up MRI was performed as well which showed cerebral edema. The patient was started on broad spectrum antibiotics, and neurosurgical aspiration and drainage of the abscesses was performed. Microbiological culture results enabled us to narrow the spectrum of the antibiotics. The patient completed his course of antibiotics. At a follow up exam 6 weeks later, the patient had no neurological deficits, and the abscesses seemed to be improving as seen in the imaging.