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Corynebacterium striatum meningitis combined with suspected brain and lung abscesses: a case report and review
Ming-Jie Zhang1, Xiao-Jie Cao1, Jin Fan1
1Department of Neurology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, No.270 Rongdu Avenue, Jinniu District, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Intracranial infections with Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum) have been described sporadically in the literature over the last two decades. However, C. striatum meningitis combined with multiple abscesses has not been published before.
Case Presentation:
In this report, we describe the clinical and imaging findings in a 54-year-old woman with meningitis caused by C. striatum and combined with suspected brain and lung abscesses. This patient who underwent multiple fractures and a recent cut presented with headache and paraphasia. C. striatum was isolated in cerebrospinal fluid and supposedly transmitted from the skin purulent wound through blood. The patient was treated with intravenous vancomycin and had a transient improvement, but died finally. Multiple abscesses, especially in the brain, could be a reason to explain her conditions were deteriorating rapidly.
Conclusions:
Note that C. striatum can cause life-threatening infections. Early identification and diagnosis, early administration of antibiotics to which the bacterium is susceptible, and treatment of complications will be beneficial in patients with C. striatum-related infection.
Insights
Corynebacterium striatum can cause severe intracranial infections, including meningitis with brain abscesses, which can be fatal. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these life-threatening Corynebacterium striatum infections.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intracranial infections caused by Corynebacterium striatum are rare, with limited documented cases over the past two decades.
- The combination of Corynebacterium striatum meningitis and multiple brain abscesses represents a previously unreported clinical presentation.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old female patient presented with headache and paraphasia, indicative of neurological compromise.
- Clinical findings included suspected brain and lung abscesses, alongside Corynebacterium striatum isolated from cerebrospinal fluid.
- The patient had a history of multiple fractures and a recent skin purulent wound, suggesting a potential route of bloodstream infection.
Findings:
- Corynebacterium striatum meningitis was confirmed, complicated by multiple suspected abscesses in the brain and lungs.
- Despite initial treatment with intravenous vancomycin, the patient experienced transient improvement followed by rapid deterioration and death.
- The presence of multiple abscesses, particularly in the brain, was strongly associated with the patient's rapid decline.
Implications:
- Corynebacterium striatum is capable of causing severe, life-threatening infections that require urgent medical attention.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of Corynebacterium striatum infections is critical for effective management.
- Timely administration of appropriate antibiotics and management of complications are essential for improving patient outcomes in Corynebacterium striatum infections.
