Brain Abscess after Glioblastoma Resection: An Unusual Case Report

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor. It carries a poor prognosis with a median survival of approximately 14 mo even with aggressive multi-modality therapy. After neurosurgical procedures, infection most commonly presents as meningitis, subdural empyema, or cerebral abscess. Once diagnosed, post-operative meningitis can often be treated with a course of intravenous antibiotics. In contrast, cases that involve a bone flap infection, subdural empyema, or cerebral abscess usually require a repeat operation. Case Presentation: We present the case of a glioblastoma of the frontal lobe that was complicated by abscess formation at the primary operative site. Emergency surgical intervention was performed. The organism isolated from the brain abscess was Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: Clinical suspicion of abscess should be kept in mind when patients present with sudden deterioration post-glioma resection. Combined surgical and medical therapy can manage such cases successfully.