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[Regressive leukoencephalopathy in chronic brucellosis]
P Krystkowiak1, P Vermersch, G Beaucaire
1Clinique Neurologique, CHRU de Lille.
Revue Neurologique
|August 1, 1998
Summary
Brucellosis can cause neurological symptoms mimicking multiple sclerosis. This case highlights brucellosis encephalitis as a treatable cause of demyelinating lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Neurological disorders can present with diverse symptoms, including ataxia and hemiparesis.
- Inflammatory white matter lesions on neuroimaging often suggest conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old man presented with progressive ataxia and hemiparesis, accompanied by multiple white matter lesions on MRI.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicated an inflammatory process, initially leading to consideration of multiple sclerosis.
Findings:
- The patient's chronic brucellosis, with fluctuating serological titers correlating with clinical and radiological changes, prompted an alternative diagnosis.
- Brucellosis encephalitis was suspected, with the proposed mechanism being a demyelinating process secondary to deep focus reactivation.
Implications:
- Brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory neurological disorders, especially in endemic areas.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of brucellosis can lead to resolution of neurological deficits and radiological abnormalities.
- This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive patient history, including potential exposure to infectious agents, in diagnosing complex neurological conditions.