Recurrent nocardial brain abscesses treated by repeated stereotactic aspirations
Abstract:
A case of a 61-year-old diabetic patient who had a new onset simple partial seizure is presented. Past medical history was remarkable for pulmonary sarcoidosis for which the patient was on chronic steroid therapy. Computed tomography scan demonstrated a postcentral abscess which was aspirated under stereotactic guidance. Nocardia asteroides was identified. The patient was placed on intravenous trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. He required two further stereotactic aspirations of recrudescences until symptoms resolved. The use of repeated stereotactic aspiration in place of an open surgical procedure is advocated for the treatment of nocardial abscesses.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...