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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

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Solitary supratentorial Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess in an immunocompromised patient

James A West1, Anthony R Onofrio1, Lauren C Martinez1

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology (West, Onofrio, Opatowsky, Layton), the Department of Internal Medicine (Martinez), and the Division of Infectious Diseases (Spak), Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|July 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

A rare brain abscess caused by Listeria monocytogenes occurred in an 81-year-old man undergoing azacitidine therapy for myelodysplastic syndrome. This case highlights a potential complication following Listeria bacteremia treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Azacitidine is a hypomethylating agent used in treating myelodysplastic syndromes.
  • Listeria monocytogenes bacteremia can occur in immunocompromised patients.
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders.

Observation:

  • An 81-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome received azacitidine monotherapy.
  • The patient was recovering from Listeria monocytogenes bacteremia after antibiotic treatment.
  • Following discharge, the patient presented with new-onset seizures.

Findings:

  • Brain imaging revealed a posterior right frontal lobe mass.
  • Surgical resection and subsequent cultures identified the mass as a cerebral abscess.
  • The abscess was confirmed to be caused by Listeria monocytogenes.

Implications:

  • This case represents a rare instance of Listeria monocytogenes causing a brain abscess.
  • It underscores the importance of considering unusual neurological complications in patients treated for bacteremia, especially those who are immunocompromised.
  • Further investigation may be warranted to understand the specific risk factors and pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes brain abscesses in this patient population.

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