Low threshold for intracranial imaging in fever of unknown origin associated with cyanotic heart disease in the pediatric population

Childs Nerv Syst. 2021 Jan;37(1):335-338. doi: 10.1007/s00381-020-04696-2. Epub 2020 Jun 6.

Abstract

Intracranial abscess in the pediatric population is an overall rare occurrence-4 in a million. The most common predisposing factor is underlying cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD), which is associated with ~ 30% of all cases. We present an unusual case of cerebral abscess in a 17-month-old female with partially treated Tetralogy of Fallot and fever of unknown origin without associated neurologic symptoms. We propose a low threshold for intracranial imaging as part of the fever of unknown origin work-up in children with underlying cyanotic congenital heart disease.

Keywords: Brain abscess; Neurosurgery; Pediatrics; Tetralogy of Fallot.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Abscess* / complications
  • Brain Abscess* / diagnostic imaging
  • Causality
  • Child
  • Cyanosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Cyanosis / etiology
  • Female
  • Fever of Unknown Origin* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fever of Unknown Origin* / etiology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / complications
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant