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Infected bone flap post craniotomy

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Fever, headache, reduced conscious state and right hemiplegia about 6 weeks post craniotomy for meningioma removal

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Female

Rim enhancing mass with marked surrounding vasogenic edema immediately deep to a craniotomy defect showing 2 sites of bone erosion involving the inner table indicating osteomyelitis. Note gas in the fluid collection. This gas is very abnormal ~6 weeks post surgery, i.e. not due to the surgical procedure and indicates gas-forming organisms.

Case Discussion

Appearances in the brain are typical of cerebral abscess but note the broad base at the level of the craniotomy with bone erosion. On that basis the bone flap is infected and the underlying brain secondarily involved with marked surrounding vasogenic edema that is also typical for cerebral abscess.

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