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Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
Published on: July 1, 2018
Infected intracranial meningiomas
William B Lo1, Julian Cahill1, Martyn Carey2
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom.
Objective:
Infection associated with an intracranial meningioma is an extremely rare condition. Only six cases have been described in the literature. Because of its dual pathologies, initial radiologic diagnosis can be difficult. We present the first reported case of multiple infected intracranial meningiomas and correlate the radiologic and histologic findings.
Methods:
A 70-year-old woman presented with sepsis and a left hemiparesis following ureteroscopy and lithotripsy. A large right parietal lesion and a smaller left frontal lesion were diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging. Diffusion-weighted imaging and an apparent diffusion coefficient map demonstrated features of cerebral metastases.
Results:
A 2-stage excision confirmed atypical meningiomas containing an intratumoral abscess secondary to Escherichia coli. The patient made a full neurologic recovery. Despite the additional techniques, the radiologic diagnosis was initially challenging because of the dual pathologies. Nonetheless, the radiologic appearance was consistent with the complex histologic findings.
Conclusions:
In the appropriate clinical context, diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient map aid the diagnosis of infected intracranial meningiomas.
Insights
Infection of brain tumors like meningiomas is rare. This case highlights how advanced imaging aids in diagnosing multiple infected meningiomas with abscesses, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Intracranial meningiomas are tumors of the meninges.
- Infection associated with meningiomas is exceptionally rare, with only six cases previously reported.
- Diagnosing dual pathologies like meningioma and infection can be radiologically challenging.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old woman presented with sepsis and hemiparesis after a urological procedure.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple intracranial lesions.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging suggested cerebral metastases.
Findings:
- Surgical excision confirmed atypical meningiomas with intratumoral abscesses caused by Escherichia coli.
- The patient experienced a complete neurologic recovery.
- Radiologic findings, though initially challenging, correlated with histologic examination.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of multiple infected intracranial meningiomas.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping can aid in diagnosing infected intracranial meningiomas in specific clinical scenarios.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and patient recovery.
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Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
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