EC Paediatrics

Brain abscess is a rare but serious complication of chronic pulmonary infection in children. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with status epilepticus as the initial sign. Neuroimaging revealed multiple cerebral abscesses. Careful reassessment of his history uncovered chest pain and episodes of hemoptysis, which prompted chest imaging. Chest X-ray and CT identified a metallic foreign body in the right lower lobar bronchus, complicated by localized bronchiectasis that served as the infectious focus for hematogenous spread to the brain. The foreign body was successfully removed by bronchoscopy, and the patient received prolonged triple antibiotic therapy. Follow-up MRI six months later confirmed complete resolution of the cerebral lesions. This case highlights the importance of detailed history-taking, vigilance in investigating chronic chest symptoms, and awareness of rare but severe complications of foreign body aspiration.

 Keywords: Brain Abscess; Status Epilepticus; Foreign Body Aspiration; Bronchiectasis; Hematogenous Spread

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