Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
05:02
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
12.3K
Listerial Rhombencephalitis MR Findings. A Case Report
1U.O.C. Neuroradiology Unit, Parma Hospital; Parma, Italy - annasumma@hotmail.com.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|November 12, 2013
Summary
We report a case of rhombencephalitis caused by Listeria in a healthy woman. Prompt diagnosis and treatment led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of early intervention for this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Listerial rhombencephalitis is a rare but serious infection affecting the brainstem.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case of listerial rhombencephalitis in a previously healthy adult.
- To emphasize the diagnostic methods and successful treatment outcome.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment of a 37-year-old woman with suspected rhombencephalitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and blood cultures for pathogen identification.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain for diagnostic confirmation.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of listerial rhombencephalitis confirmed through clinical, CSF, blood culture, and MR imaging findings.
- Patient received targeted antibiotic therapy based on culture results.
- Complete clinical recovery was achieved following treatment.
Conclusions:
- Listerial rhombencephalitis can occur in previously healthy individuals.
- A combination of clinical evaluation, CSF analysis, blood cultures, and MR imaging is essential for diagnosis.
- Timely and appropriate antibiotic treatment leads to full recovery.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
27
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
27
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
31
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
31
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
30
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
30
01:18Viral Meningitis
217
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
217
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
47
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...
47
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
45
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
45