Abstract |
The cerebral trunk infection by Listeria monocytogenes is a very rare process, with only 24 described cases and only 2 in immunodepressed patients. We present a new case of cerebral trunk encephalitis caused by Listeria in a patient diagnosed of Polyarteritis nodosa on steroids and cyclophosamide treatment and fatal evolution, and whose hemoculture, spinal fluid culture and cranial CT scan did not contribute to the diagnosis. A necrotizing lesion in the protuberance with mesencephalic extension was observed in the necropsy study in which intra- and extracellular Gram + and silver positive bacilli were detected. Since L. monocytogenes was suspected as the causative agent, indirect immunofluorescence was performed on histological preparations with hyperimmune anti-L. monocytogenes serum giving a clearly positive result. In our case, this technique permitted the etiological diagnosis in the absence of positive cultures.
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Authors | J L Villar Rodríguez, M E Jiménez Mejías, J Andreu Alvarez, J A Cuello Contreras, E Andrada Becerra, J Fernández Alonso |
Journal | Revista clinica espanola
(Rev Clin Esp)
Vol. 187
Issue 7
Pg. 339-42
(Nov 1990)
ISSN: 0014-2565 [Print] Spain |
Vernacular Title | Rombencefalitis abscesificante por Listeria en paciente inmunodeprimido. |
PMID | 1982570
(Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Cyclophosphamide
- Prednisone
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Topics |
- Aspergillosis
(complications, pathology)
- Brain Abscess
(diagnosis, etiology, pathology)
- Cyclophosphamide
(therapeutic use)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Encephalitis
(diagnosis, etiology, pathology)
- Humans
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes
(complications, etiology, pathology)
- Listeriosis
(diagnosis, etiology, pathology)
- Lung Diseases, Fungal
(complications, pathology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Polyarteritis Nodosa
(complications, drug therapy, pathology)
- Prednisone
(therapeutic use)
- Rhombencephalon
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