Cerebral abscesses in early infancy

Abstract

✓ Experience with large cerebral abscesses in six newborn or very young infants is the basis for this report and discussion. Hydrocephalus, an afebrile state, and an elevated white blood cell count were characteristic. Diagnosis by aspiration was usually fortuitous in the process of subdural tap or ventriculography. Treatment by multiple aspirations was reasonably successful, but ultimate excision of the shrunken abscess may be wise. In only one case was the source of infection obvious.