Enterobacter sakazakii brain abscess in the neonate: the importance of neuroradiologic imaging

Background. Enterobacter sakazakii is a rare but important cause of life-th reatening neonatal sepsis and meningitis complicated by the development of brain abscess. Objective. Given the neurotropic qualities of this organism, early diagnosi s and treatment are crucial as a poor prognosis follows brain abscess forma tion. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional imaging (CT and MRI) play an importa nt role in the diagnostic work-up. Conclusion. A biopsy-proven case of E. sakazakii brain abscess, which was d iagnosed on MR images, is presented, and the importance of prompt radiologi c imaging of the central nervous system in the workup of patients with this life-threatening disease is discussed.