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Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
Published on: September 19, 2013
Listeria Monocytogenes Brain Abscesses in a Patient with Disseminated Non-Small Cellular Lung Cancer: MRI Findings
Anders Lykkemark Simonsen1, Nitesh Shekhrajka2, Frederik Boëtius Hertz3
1Heart Centre, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
Abstract:
Brain abscesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes (LM) are very rare and carry a high mortality risk. We present a patient with disseminated non-small cellular lung cancer (NSCLC) and multiple unusual LM brain abscesses. These abscesses have multiple elongated peripherally enhancing lesions in a characteristic formation that is "worm or tramtrack-like" following the white matter fiber tracts.
Insights
Brain abscesses from Listeria monocytogenes (LM) are rare and dangerous. This case highlights unusual "worm-like" LM brain abscesses in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Brain abscesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes (LM) are exceptionally rare and associated with high mortality.
- Disseminated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of multiple, unusually appearing LM brain abscesses.
- To describe the imaging characteristics of these atypical abscesses in a patient with advanced NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of patient's clinical history, diagnostic imaging (MRI/CT), and histopathological findings.
- Literature review on LM brain abscesses and their association with malignancy.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with disseminated NSCLC and multiple, elongated, peripherally enhancing brain lesions.
- Imaging revealed characteristic "worm or tramtrack-like" formations consistent with LM abscesses tracking along white matter tracts.
- This specific pattern is highly unusual for LM brain abscesses.
Conclusions:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare infectious etiologies, such as LM, in cancer patients with neurological symptoms.
- The distinctive imaging findings can aid in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of LM brain abscesses.
- Multidisciplinary management is crucial for patients with co-existing malignancy and rare infections.
