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Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Hemorragic presentation of Listeria Monocytogenes rhombencephalic abscess
Paola Feraco1,2, Francesca Incandela3, Flavia Stallone3
1Department of Neuroradiology, Ospedale S. Chiara, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari, Trento Italy; paola.feraco@apss.tn.it.
Abstract:
Listeria monocytogenes (LM) bacterium is a cause of central nervous system (CNS) infection and the most common cause of rhombencephalitis in immunocompetent elderly.A prompt identification of this condition should be always desirable, since its clinical manifestations are often unspecific with prodromal symptoms leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality if underestimated.CNS listeriosis magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are generally not specific. However, in the appropriate clinical setting, focal brainstem hyperintensity on T2-weighted pulse sequences associated with ring-enhancement pattern after i.v. contrast media injection should be suspicious of LM abscess. The diagnosis cannot exempt from anamnestic-clinical-investigation data correlation to exclude mimicking.
Insights
Prompt identification of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) CNS infection is crucial. MRI findings like focal brainstem hyperintensity suggest LM rhombencephalitis, requiring clinical correlation to avoid underestimation and ensure timely treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes (LM) causes central nervous system (CNS) infections, notably rhombencephalitis in immunocompetent elderly.
- Early diagnosis is vital due to nonspecific symptoms and high morbidity/mortality rates if underestimated.
Observation:
- Clinical manifestations of CNS listeriosis are often unspecific, presenting with prodromal symptoms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for CNS listeriosis are generally not specific.
Findings:
- Focal brainstem hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI sequences, with ring enhancement post-contrast, is suspicious for LM abscess in the correct clinical context.
- Diagnosis requires correlation of anamnestic-clinical data to rule out mimicking conditions.
Implications:
- Timely identification of LM CNS infection is critical for effective management.
- Recognizing specific MRI patterns in conjunction with clinical data aids in diagnosing LM rhombencephalitis.
- Accurate diagnosis prevents underestimation, reducing potential morbidity and mortality.
