Retrospective review of the epidemiology, microbiology, management and outcomes of intra-cranial abscesses at a neurosurgical tertiary referral centre, 2018–2020

BACKGROUND: Intracranial abscesses are rare but serious, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Due to both the rarity and severity of these infections, well-controlled trials have not been reported in the literature, and optimal management is a matter for expert opinion. Advances in surgical management have improved outcomes and increased rates of microbiological diagnosis. However, the approach to antimicrobial chemotherapy varies considerably, including the choice of antibiotic, the duration of treatment, and the timing of oral switch. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 43 cases of intracranial abscesses from a large, tertiary neurosurgical centre in London, UK, between 2018 and 2020, including 29 primary intra-parenchymal abscesses, 11 subdural abscesses and 3 extradural abscesses. RESULTS: The majority of cases had surgical intervention; 6/43 (14%) required repeat intervention (all intra-parenchymal abscesses). A microbiological diagnosis was made in 83% of cases. Intravenous antibiotics were given for a median of 33 days (IQR 23–44 days), with a variable duration of oral follow-on antibiotics. Total duration of antibiotic treatment ranged from 0 to 467 days. Only three patients from our cohort are known to have died. CONCLUSION: Shorter courses of intravenous antibiotics for brain abscesses were not associated with increased mortality. In the absence of well-controlled trials, a national registry of intracranial abscesses would provide invaluable data to inform optimal treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12941-022-00550-2.