Multi-systemic melioidosis: a clinical, neurological, and radiological case study from Hainan Province, China

Melioidosis is a tropical disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei). It can infect any organ system and lead to multiple abscesses. A few studies reported that central nervous system (CNS) is also involved. We present a diabetic patient with multi-systemic melioidosis that affected the CNS, thorax, and spleen. The aim was to study the clinical and radiological features of melioidosis and enhance understanding of the disease.

A 38-year-old male presented with cough and expectoration mixed with blood for several days. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a patchy opacity in his left lung, and multiple low-density lesions in his spleen. After 10 days of antibiotics treatment, his clinical symptoms improved and he was discharged from the hospital. But 8 months later, the patient experienced sudden onset of left limb weakness and seizure and was re-admitted to the hospital. Brain CT indicated a low-density lesion over the right frontal lobe, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a well-enhanced lobulated lesion with multiple diffusion restriction areas in the lesion. He had a neuronavigation-guided open surgery but no malignancy was found. B. pseudomallei was cultured from the operative samples. After 4 months of systemic and intraventricular antibiotic administration treatment, he recovered complete consciousness with left hemiparesis.

Multi-systemic melioidosis may present atypical clinical, neurological, and radiological manifestations. It is extremely important to accurately diagnose before treatment is selected. CNS melioidosis in early stage manifests similar symptoms to malignancy or stroke. It might mislead to a false diagnose. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) can help in differentiate abscesses from cystic tumours.