Intracranial abscess: Current concepts in management

The outcome of patients harboring intracranial abscesses has improved in the last decade as a result of improvement in imaging technologies, the introduction of potent antibiotics that penetrate the blood-brain barrier more readily, and minimally invasive surgical techniques with the possibility of image and real-time guidance. These therapeutic advances have, however, been counterbalanced by the increase in immunocompromised patients with pathogens that are more aggressive and difficult to eradicate. This review highlights the current approach to the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial abscesses, emphasizes pitfalls in management, and discusses dilemmas in treatment strategies.