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Published on: September 20, 2018
Unusual presentations of pediatric neurobrucellosis
Isolda Budnik1, Inbal Fuchs, Ilan Shelef
1Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. isolbudnik@gmail.com
Abstract:
Neurobrucellosis is an uncommon complication of pediatric brucellosis. Acute meningitis and encephalitis are the most common clinical manifestations, however symptoms may be protean and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in patients from endemic areas. Diagnosis is often based on neurological symptoms, serology, and suggestive brain imaging because cerebrospinal fluid culture yields are low. Two cases of pediatric neurobrucellosis with unusual clinical and radiologic findings are presented.
Insights
Neurobrucellosis, a rare complication of pediatric brucellosis, presents with diverse symptoms. Early diagnosis in endemic areas is crucial, often relying on clinical signs, serology, and imaging due to low cerebrospinal fluid culture yields.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Neurobrucellosis is an infrequent complication of brucellosis in children.
- Clinical presentations can be varied, making diagnosis challenging.
- Common manifestations include meningitis and encephalitis, but atypical presentations occur.
Observation:
- Presents two pediatric cases of neurobrucellosis with atypical clinical and radiological features.
- Highlights the diagnostic challenges in pediatric neurobrucellosis.
- Emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion in endemic areas.
Findings:
- Neurobrucellosis can manifest with unusual neurological symptoms and brain imaging findings.
- Serology and neurological examination are crucial for diagnosis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid cultures have limited diagnostic utility.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of atypical presentations is vital for timely diagnosis.
- Advanced imaging and serological tests aid in diagnosing challenging cases.
- Further research into diagnostic markers for pediatric neurobrucellosis is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Arboviral Encephalitis
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
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