Encapsulated Intracerebral Hematoma Presenting as Cerebral Abscess

Abstract

Chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematoma is a rare pathology which may present after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations. A 66-year-old male presented with recent diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) status post-treatment with tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy. His recent diagnoses included infective endocarditis, septic bacteremia, meningitis, and aspiration pneumonia. One month following his CVA, the patient presented with delayed altered mental status. In the setting of increasing lethargy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were performed, which suggested a brain abscess, septic emboli, and ventriculitis. The patient was taken to surgery emergently. Intraoperatively, the patient was found to have an encapsulated mass of liquid consistency. Tissue pathology demonstrated ischemic cortical tissue and hemorrhage. Multiple cultures were negative for growth. The patient was ultimately determined to have an encapsulated intracerebral hematoma. Encapsulated intracerebral hematoma should be a part of the differential diagnosis when presented with a brain abscess in the setting of a patient who is at risk of ICH.

Keywords: brain lesion; cerebral abscess; encapsulated intracerebral hematoma; magnetic resonance imaging; neurosurgery.