[Intra-cranial abscesses and congenital heart disease in children (author's transl)]

Abstract

The authors report on 13 cerebral abscesses developed in children with cyanogenic heart disease. The abscesses have been treated by one or several punctures and by a general antibiotherapy adjusted to the germ when it was isolated. C.T. Scan and epidural Intra-cranial pressure monitoring have defined the Therapeutic tactics. The mortality rate is 7.7%. 60% of the survivors lead a normal life; 40% are mentally retarded; however this mental retardation is not directly related to the abscess; it appears to be a consequence of the cyanogenic cardiopathy. The neurological sequelae are one epilepsy and two visual defects compatible with normal life. Successive C.T. Scans in the months following treatment have shown the progressive disappearance of the abscess membranes. The conclusions of this study are under antibiotherapy, it is better to tap abscesses than to remove them and that their prophylaxy is the suppression of the shunt responsible of the cyanosis.