Neuroinvasive Listeriosis: Could Petechial Hemorrhages be a Diagnostic Clue?

Sevda Diker1, Serhat Okar2, Lale Mehdikhanova3

  • 1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus.

The Neurologist
|May 4, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes central nervous system infections, including rhombencephalitis, require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Petechial hemorrhages detected via advanced MRI can be a key diagnostic clue for these severe brain infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe central nervous system infections, primarily meningitis and meningoencephalitis, often in immunocompromised individuals.
  • A rarer form, rhombencephalitis, affects healthy individuals and necessitates urgent antibiotic treatment.
  • Rapid diagnosis is challenging due to varied presentations and inconsistent diagnostic test results.

Observation:

  • This report details three cases of Listeria monocytogenes CNS parenchymal infections.
  • The cases presented unique diagnostic challenges, highlighting the need for effective solutions.
  • Radiologic findings and advanced imaging techniques were crucial in diagnosis.

Findings:

  • Nonconventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are vital for diagnosing Listeria CNS infections.
  • Petechial hemorrhages in the brain parenchyma were observed in all three cases.
  • These hemorrhages serve as a significant diagnostic clue for Listeria rhombencephalitis and other CNS infections.

Implications:

  • Early identification of petechial hemorrhages using advanced MRI can expedite diagnosis of Listeria CNS infections.
  • Improved diagnostic strategies can lead to timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy, improving patient outcomes.
  • This study underscores the value of advanced neuroimaging in managing challenging infectious neurological disorders.

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