Related Experiment Videos
[Rhombencephalitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes]
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Galicia, Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña.
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Listeria monocytogenes caused a brainstem and cerebellar abscess in a patient with multiple risk factors. Prompt antibiotic treatment led to favorable outcomes with minor residual neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial pathogen that can cause serious infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Brain abscesses are rare but life-threatening conditions requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Risk factors such as diabetes, alcoholism, and prior gastrointestinal surgery can increase susceptibility to Listeria infections.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male with diabetes, alcoholism, and a history of gastrectomy presented with fever and meningeal signs.
- The patient developed progressive unilateral cranial nerve dysfunction.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed pleocytosis, elevated protein, and low glucose levels.
Findings:
- Initial computed tomography (CT) scan showed no parenchymal lesions.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperintense lesion in the brainstem and cerebellum with ring enhancement, indicative of an abscess.
- Listeria monocytogenes was identified as the causative agent.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging techniques like MRI for diagnosing brain abscesses when CT is inconclusive.
- Early antibiotic intervention is crucial for favorable outcomes in Listeria brain abscesses.
- Understanding the risk factors and clinical presentation aids in the timely diagnosis and management of this severe infection.