Esophageal carcinoma as a portal of entry for brainstem abscess formation.

Authors :: Corens P
Lamquet S
Vanderstraeten E
De Vlieger J
De Cocker L
Monsaert E
Bouderez V
Vandekerckhove T
Van Steenkiste C
Source :: Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica [Acta Gastroenterol Belg] 2022 Jan-Mar; Vol. 85 (1), pp. 105-107.
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: Cerebral abscess formation is a serious and life-threatening clinical entity, secondary to contiguous spread, hematogenous dissemination or direct inoculation. We present the case of a 61-year-old woman with a recent diagnosis of a locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus who was diagnosed with a brainstem abscess. In literature we only found three cases reporting cerebral abscess formation in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Our case report is considered exceptional given the abscess localization in the pons. The abscess was successfully treated with stereotactic drainage and antibiotics. This report emphasizes the importance of gastrointestinal tract evaluation in patients with diagnosis of cerebral abscess when no other cause is found. Brain abscesses must be recognized as a potentially fatal complication of esophageal carcinoma.<br />Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest<br /> (© Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica.)