Perianeurysmal abscess and meningitis after endovascular coil placement for an intracranial aneurysm.

Background: Only five cases of infection of the central nervous system attributable to intracranial permanent devices (e.g., coils, cyanacrylate) have been described.

Methods: Case report and review of the pertinent English-language literature.

Case Report: A case of perianeurysmal abscess, cavernous sinus syndrome, and bacterial meningitis after coil placement in an intracranial aneurysm is presented. Among the possible sources of infection, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are discussed. Medical management was successful, and removal of the implanted devices was not required.

Conclusions: Even if central nervous system infection in interventional procedures is a rare entity, particular circumspection in the handling of endovascular devices and excluding from treatment patients with a simultaneous infection may further decrease the possibility of this complication.