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Published on: November 22, 2013
Acute disseminating encephalomyelitis following legionnaires disease
Lonneke M L de Lau1, Dorine A M Siepman, Michel J M Remmers
1Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands. l.delau@erasmusmc.nl
Archives of Neurology
|May 12, 2010
Summary
Legionella pneumonia can cause severe neurological deficits and brain lesions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of acute disseminating encephalomyelitis following Legionella infection led to patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Legionella pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection.
- Neurological complications following Legionella are rare but can be severe.
- Brain imaging often reveals widespread lesions in affected patients.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with severe neurological deficits and extensive brain lesions on MRI post-Legionella pneumonia.
- Symptoms included encephalopathic signs and demyelinating lesions.
- Diagnosis of acute disseminating encephalomyelitis was considered.
Findings:
- Treatment with steroids and plasmapheresis was initiated in one patient.
- Both patients showed gradual clinical and radiological recovery.
- Minor residual neurological deficits were noted in both cases.
Implications:
- Legionella infection should be considered in patients with neurological symptoms after pneumonia.
- Immune-mediated processes like acute disseminating encephalomyelitis are potential sequelae.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
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