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[Multiple actinomycosis brain abscesses]

J Liotier1, C Venet, M-L Chambonnière

  • 1Service de réanimation polyvalente, hôpital Bellevue, Saint-Etienne. jliotier@chu-clermontferrand.fr

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|March 26, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Central nervous system actinomycosis, a rare bacterial infection, can lead to severe neurological symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and dual antibiotic therapy can result in a full recovery, even with multiple brain abscesses.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Actinomycosis is a subacute or chronic bacterial infection affecting both immunocompetent and immunodeficient individuals.
  • Commonly presents in cervico-facial or thoracic-abdominal regions, with rare but severe central nervous system (CNS) involvement.

Observation:

  • A 56-year-old woman presented with fever, behavioral changes, and disorientation, progressing to coma.
  • Brain imaging revealed multiple cerebral abscesses, and stereotactic biopsy confirmed actinomycosis.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of cerebral actinomycosis can be established through pathological findings when bacteriologic identification is challenging.
  • The patient experienced a favorable outcome with dual antibiotic therapy, without requiring surgical intervention.

Implications:

  • Dual antibiotherapy is effective for treating multilocation cerebral actinomycosis.
  • Highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in CNS infections presenting with abscesses, even in immunocompetent patients.

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