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Granulomatous amebic encephalitis caused by acanthamoeba
J J Sell1, F W Rupp, W W Orrison
1Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131-5336, USA.
Abstract:
Infections arising from free-living amebae are rare. They generally cause recognizable disease only in chronically ill, debilitated patients who are immune suppressed. Only about 70 cases of granulomatous amebic encephalitis have been reported. We present an unusual case of granulomatous encephalitis in a 35-year-old man. Neurologic examination and laboratory tests were inconclusive. CT demonstrated bilateral low-density areas with mild mass effect in the cortex and subcortical white matter, which showed increased signal on T2-weighted MRI. Craniotomy and brain biopsy revealed granulomatous encephalitis with acanthamoeba organisms. Though non-specific, imaging can support the diagnosis of amebic encephalitis and direct biopsy.
Insights
Free-living amebae infections are rare, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights granulomatous encephalitis caused by Acanthamoeba in an otherwise healthy adult, emphasizing imaging
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Infections caused by free-living amebae are uncommon and primarily affect immunocompromised patients.
- Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) is a rare and severe central nervous system infection, with only about 70 reported cases.
- Typical GAE cases involve individuals with chronic illnesses and suppressed immune systems.