A rare complication of cyanotic CHD: brain abscess


Güzelbağ A. N., Erkan B., Özyılmaz İ., Toprak M. H. H., ÖZTÜRK E.

Cardiology in the Young, cilt.35, sa.7, ss.1464-1468, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 35 Sayı: 7
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1017/s1047951125100711
  • Dergi Adı: Cardiology in the Young
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1464-1468
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: double-outlet right ventricle, CHD, transthoracic echocardiography, CT angiography, cardiac imaging
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Brain abscess is a rare but life-threatening complication in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD), especially in those without prior corrective surgery. Methods: We report the case of a 36-year-old woman with unoperated cyanotic CHD who presented with neurological deficits. Diagnostic evaluation included cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Imaging revealed a brain abscess. Contributing factors included chronic hypoxia, polycythaemia, and right-to-left shunting facilitating systemic circulation of infectious agents. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage. Conclusions: This case highlights the elevated risk of brain abscess in uncorrected cyanotic CHD and underlines the importance of early recognition and timely management to avoid fatal outcomes.