Multiple brain abscesses due to Listeria monocytogenes infection in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and literature review.

Abstract

AIM:

To review the clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by central nervous system (CNS) infection due to Listeria monocytogenes.

METHOD:

A patient with SLE receiving high-dose glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide who developed multiple brain abscesses due to Listeria infection is described. The case is compared with known cases in a literature review.

RESULTS:

A review of the literature showed that CNS infections are rare bacterial complications of SLE, but they can be a significant cause of mortality, especially those due to L. monocytogenes. The most significant risk factor for listerial meningitis is a prior history of receiving immunosuppressive therapy. At-risk patients should avoid unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses along with deli-style, ready-to-eat prepared meats, particularly poultry products. The case we report is the fifth SLE patient with multiple brain abscesses due to L. monocytogenes, and the first to be discharged with no sequelae. Timely and accurate identification and treatment of CNS infections and neuropsychiatric lupus are very important for favorable disease prognosis.

CONCLUSION:

Repeated blood culture is helpful for early diagnosis, and empirical anti-infective treatment that covers L. monocytogenes is recommended for SLE patients with risk factors when CNS infection occurs. A comprehensive assessment might be helpful to distinguish CNS infections from neuropsychiatric SLE. For severe infection, the dosage of steroids does not need to be reduced immediately but can be gradually adjusted based on the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the disease.

• Authors: Na Zhang, Wenwen Sun, Lei Zhou, Ming Chen, Xiaoying Dong, Wei Wei
• Journal: International journal of rheumatic diseases (Int J Rheum Dis) Vol. 24 Issue 11 Pg. 1427-1439 (Nov 2021) ISSN: 1756-185X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 34633142 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2021 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Glucocorticoids
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Cyclophosphamide

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Brain Abscess (diagnosis, drug therapy, immunology, microbiology)
• Cyclophosphamide (adverse effects)
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Immunocompromised Host
• Immunosuppressive Agents (adverse effects)
• Listeria monocytogenes (immunology, pathogenicity)
• Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic (diagnosis, drug therapy, immunology)
• Meningitis, Listeria (diagnosis, drug therapy, immunology, microbiology)
• Middle Aged
• Risk Factors
• Treatment Outcome