Brain abscess
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Brain abscess
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Questions
USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE
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A 15-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department by her parents due to a sudden onset of seizure. The parents report that during the past few days, the patient has been feeling lethargic with fevers and constant headaches. Medical history is insignificant other than a progressive aching tooth pain the week before. The patient lives with her parents, 2 brothers, a cat, and a dog. Temperature is 38.6°C (101.48°F), pulse is 102/min, and blood pressure is 135/85 mmHg. On physical examination, the patient is postictal but arousable. She speaks fluently, but the words are incomprehensible. Meningeal signs are negative. MRI of the head reveals a ring-enhancing lesion occupying the frontal lobes. Which of the following pathogens is most likely responsible for this patient’s condition?
External References
First Aid
2024
2023
2022
2021
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
brain abscess p. 177
Summary
A brain abscess is a pus-filled mass with a surrounding membrane that develops in or around the brain. This condition can be due to a complication of an infection elsewhere in the body, such as meningitis, sinusitis, or otitis media. It can also develop following trauma to the head or after surgery. Symptoms of a brain abscess include fever, headache, vomiting, and changes in mental status. If left untreated, a brain abscess can lead to seizures, coma, and death.