Brain abscess due to corticosteroid: A Case Report

Iman Ghasemzadeh, Payam Sadegh

Abstract

Brain abscess is an infectious process that occurs due to accumulation of pus in brain tissue. It usually occurs because of an earlier problem; for instance, weakened immune system caused by corticosteroid consumption. The introduced patient is diagnosed with brain abscess caused by long-term consumption of Dexamethasone. The patient is a 21-year-old male who has started daily consumption of seven 5mg Dexamethasone tablets for four years to gain weight. The patient stopped consuming the drug suddenly about one week before referring to hospital. Two days later, he experienced drowsiness and muscle weakness. His history suggested two seizure-like movements two days before referring to the hospital. At admission, he had adrenal insufficiency symptoms, striae on abdomen, axilla, and groin. The neurological examination showed movement of organs as 4.5. CT scan and MRI revealed some evidence of brain abscess in right insular area. Finally, the patient’s brain abscess was drained and he was discharged from the hospital after course of treatment and recovery. Different types of infections – such as brain abscess – should be taken into consideration for the immunocompromised patients or the individuals consuming immune system suppressors and necessary measures should be taken for treating and reducing its complications.