Cerebral Abscess in Uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a common cyanotic congential heart disease, can be complicated by cerebral abscess. The case of a 12 year old girl with TOF is presented. She defaulted from clinic attendance once the diagnosis of TOF was made despite having polycythaemia, only to represent 3 years later with features suggestive of cerebral abscess which was confirmed on CT scan. Definitive diagnosis of cerebral abscess could not be made early because of severe financial constraints and this impeded institution of definitive management until patient died. The difficulties with appropriate management of the patient arising from poverty and ignorance are highlighted.

Keywords: Tetralogy of Fallot, thrombo-embolism, cerebral abscess