Brain abscess caused by trauma of the rhinobasis: an endoscopic challenge

Abstract Brain abscess is a rare but life-threatening infection of the brain. It often occurs as a complication of infection, trauma, or surgery. This case presents a brain abscess in a 22-month-old boy that developed after a transnasal injury with a foreign body. A minimal-invasive, transnasal, endoscopic-controlled technique was used, during which the foreign object was removed and the abscess drained. Bacteriological samples were obtained and the abscess cavity irrigated. Postoperative care included antibiotics and daily irrigation of the abscess cavity. Follow-up MRI scans showed reduction in abscess size. A spinal drain was inserted temporarily to address rhino-liquorrhoea. The patient remained asymptomatic during one-year of follow-up. This case report highlights the occurrence of a brain abscess in childhood following a transnasal injury and demonstrates a minimal-invasive, transnasal, endoscopic-controlled surgical technique. The findings underscore the importance of considering brain abscess as a potential complication in cases of head trauma, particularly in atypical presentations.