Brain abscess following acute otitis media in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivor: a case report

Introduction: Although rare, brain abscesses secondary to acute otitis media (AOM) may pose serious risks, particularly among adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of head and neck cancer. Presentation of case: A 29-year-old woman who survived AYA nasopharyngeal carcinoma following chemoradiotherapy developed an AOM complicated by a left temporal lobe brain abscess and motor aphasia. After undergoing neurosurgical drainage and receiving intravenous antibiotics, she achieved full recovery without mastoidectomy. Discussion: Eustachian-tube dysfunction resulting from prior radiotherapy and household exposure to respiratory pathogens were identified as possible contributing factors. This case illustrates the susceptibility of AYA cancer survivors to severe otogenic infections due to treatment-related sequelae. Conclusion: Clinicians should maintain vigilance for intracranial complications of AOM in AYA patients with a history of head and neck cancer therapy.