Cerebral abscess in childhood

: The brain abscess is not frequent in childhood. However, they have important and serious consequences. We have studied the natural history of fifteen cases, emphasizing the situations in which they appear with the purpose to avoid them. Our results are similar to those of other series in regard to the etiology, manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. The incidence was greater in males (66.6%) and between 10 to 15 years of age (53.3%). ENT infections and meningoencephalitis were the main origin in the same proportion (33.3%), followed by cyanotic congenital heart diseases (13.3%). Mortality rate was 20% and two survivors (13.3%) showed very important motor sequel. One of them (6.6%), also had a partial epilepsy. Our results recall the need for a better knowledge of pathogenesis and treatment of these patients.