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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

Rhomboencephalitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes

S Workman1, M Theal

  • 1Division of General Internal Medicine, Victoria General Hospital; and Faculty of Medicine, University of Dalhousie, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases = Journal Canadien Des Maladies Infectieuses
|April 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Listerial rhomboencephalitis, a rare but treatable neurological disease, can present with fever, headache, and ataxia. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this devastating condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Listerial rhomboencephalitis is a rare central nervous system infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
  • The disease can lead to severe neurological deficits if not promptly treated.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 72-year-old male presented with a week of fever and headache.
  • Symptoms progressed to include right-sided facial numbness and ataxia.

Findings:

  • The case highlights key clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings for diagnosing listerial rhomboencephalitis.
  • Diagnostic confirmation relies on a combination of clinical suspicion and specific tests.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering listerial rhomboencephalitis in patients with compatible neurological symptoms.
  • Timely diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential for favorable outcomes.
Keywords:
Abscess(es)Brain stemListeria monocytogenesMagnetic resonance imagingRhomboencephalitis

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