Sinusitis complicated by intracranial abscess in 3 patients with coronavirus disease 2019: illustrative cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be associated with various neurological manifestations, including cerebrovascular disease, seizures, peripheral nerve disease, and encephalitis. Intracranial abscess related to COVID-19 is rare but illustrates a serious complication in the studied cases. OBSERVATIONS The authors report 3 cases of patients presenting with COVID-19 complicated by sinusitis with associated intracranial abscesses. Each patient underwent craniotomy with washout and sinus debridement during their hospital stay. All 3 patients improved to their baseline following treatment. Similar outcomes have been observed in other cases of intracranial abscess associated with COVID-19 infections. LESSONS Patients achieved significant improvement following evacuation of the abscess and intravenous antibiotics. Further investigation is needed to determine treatment in relation to COVID-19, and the authors recommend following the standard treatment of intracranial abscess at this time.