Neuropsychological Impact of Bilateral Cerebral Abscesses in an Adolescent

Abstract

Existing literature on neuropsychological outcomes of cerebral abscesses is limited to a single prior study in the adult population. To our knowledge, there is no existing study of neuropsychological outcomes of pediatric cerebral abscesses. Additionally, to our knowledge, no such studies of cerebral abscesses in either a pediatric or an adult population have been published in North America. Through presentation of comprehensive neuropsychological and imaging data, this case of pediatric cerebral abscesses demonstrates the anatomical and neuropsychological impact of right frontal and left thalamic Streptococcus intermedius infection in an adolescent with a history of complex congenital heart disease, a known risk factor for cerebral abscesses. Abscess localization is clearly connected to functional outcomes, specifically deficits in nonverbal reasoning, visual-motor integration, bilateral fine motor speed, motor-based processing speed, memory, and executive functioning. Recommendations are provided for post-acute neuropsychological evaluation of bilateral cerebral abscesses.  doi:10.4021/jnr104w