Concomitant lung and brain abscesses: a rare presentation of a common bacteria

Rahul Mutneja1, Mamta Shah2, Nicole Silverstein2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA. mutneja@resident.uchc.edu

Connecticut Medicine
|March 8, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus anginosus, a bacteria causing deep tissue infections, rarely leads to simultaneous lung and brain abscesses. This case report details a patient diagnosed with these concurrent abscesses following new-onset seizures.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Streptococcus anginosus is part of the Streptococcus millerigroup.
  • This group is recognized for causing suppurative infections in deep tissues.
  • Concomitant lung and brain abscesses are rare presentations of S. anginosus.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with new-onset seizures.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed abscesses in both the lung and brain.
  • The patient was diagnosed with S. anginosus infection.

Findings:

  • The case highlights a rare instance of S. anginosus causing simultaneous lung and brain abscesses.
  • The presentation mimicked other neurological conditions due to seizure onset.
  • Infectious etiology was confirmed through microbiological analysis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering S. anginosus in deep tissue infections, especially with neurological symptoms.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of S. anginosus abscesses.
  • Further research may elucidate the mechanisms behind S. anginosus dissemination to multiple deep organs.

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