Endoscopic procedures may be considered an acceptable alternative in children with DWM. The authors propose a treatment protocol based on preoperative MR imaging findings of associated aqueductal stenosis.

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Early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment are crucial in cases of SDE. With appropriate surgery, antibiotic therapy, and management of hydrocephalus, good outcome can be expected.

An uncommon case of contralateral massive subdural collection developing acutely after a neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy is presented. The patient developed a cardiorespiratory arrest in the recovery room where he could be successfully resuscitated. He made a complete recovery following aspiration of the subdural collection.

Object Intracranial abscesses located deep in the cerebral parenchyma and in eloquent regions are often difficult to manage surgically. The authors have attempted to analyze the efficacy of stereotactic aspiration in the management of these abscesses. Methods Cases involving 22 patients (including 9 children) with deep-seated and/or eloquent-region intracranial abscesses who underwent CT- or MR imaging–guided stereotactic aspiration between January 1995 and July 2001 were analyzed. Results A definite source of infection could be identified only in 9 of the cases. In 18 patients, the abscess was deep seated, whereas in the rest it was located in the eloquent cortex. Five patients had abscesses located in multiple sites. In 17 patients only 1 aspiration was required; in 5 others subsequent procedures were required. In the initial postaspiration CT, minor hemorrhage was noted in 3 patients not requiring further intervention. Antibiotics were administered for a period varying from 4 to 8 weeks following aspiration. An early recurrence (within 2 weeks of initial aspiration) was evident in 5 patients. All recurrent abscesses were reaspirated. In 2 patients new abscesses developed while the patients were still receiving antibiotic therapy. There were no late recurrences. In 1 patient ventriculitis developed, with subsequent hydrocephalus requiring a shunt insertion. Follow-up CT scans showed complete resolution of the abscess in all patients. There were no deaths. Conclusions Stereotactic aspiration is a useful management option for abscesses located in eloquent or inaccessible regions. Repeated aspiration should be considered in patients in whom the initial aspiration proves ineffective or partially effective. Complete resolution may require repeated stereotactic aspirations and continued antibiotic therapy.