Actinomicosis diseminada con compromiso de sistema nervioso central / Disseminated actinomycosis with central nervous system involvement

Resumen La actinomicosis diseminada es muy infrecuente, así como la afección del sistema nervioso central (SNC) asociada, con mortalidad de hasta 28%. Sus manifestaciones pueden ser similares a cuadros infecciosos de otras etiologías, por lo que el conocimiento de la entidad aumenta la sospecha clínica y permite brindar un tratamiento oportuno. Se presenta el caso clínico de un adulto con edema en una extremidad superior como manifestación de una tromboflebitis y una lesión abscedada axilar, en que se confirmó una infección por actinomicetos. Presentó una diseminación hematógena con compromiso de SNC, de evolución fatal.

Actinomycosis is very rare, as well as the central nervous system (CNS) condition associated with it, presenting a mortality up to 28%. Its manifestations could be similar to infectious conditions from other etiologies, thus, having a better understanding of the entity increases clinical suspicion and also it can provide a timely treatment. The clinical case of an adult with edema in an upper extremity is presented as a manifestation of thrombophlebitis and an abscessed axillary lesion, in which actinomycetes infection was confirmed. He presented a haematogenous spread with CNS involvement, with fatal ending.

Treatment of a subdural empyema complicated by intracerebral abscess due to Brucella infection

A 55-year-old male presented with fever, stupor, aphasia, and left hemiparesis. A history of head trauma 3 months before was also reported. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed slight contrast enhancement of lesions under the right frontal skull plate and right frontal lobe. Because of deterioration in nutritional status and intracranial hypertension, the patient was prepared for burr hole surgery. A subdural empyema (SDE) recurred after simple drainage. After detection of Brucella species in SDE, craniotomy combined with antibiotic treatment was undertaken. The patient received antibiotic therapy for 6 months (two doses of 2 g ceftriaxone, two doses of 100 mg doxycycline, and 700 mg rifapentine for 6 months) that resulted in complete cure of the infection. Thus, it was speculated that the preexisting subdural hematoma was formed after head trauma, which was followed by a hematogenous infection caused by Brucella species.

The accessory gene regulator (agr) controls Staphylococcus aureus virulence in a murine intracranial abscesses model

Background: Intracranial abscesses are associated with high mortality. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main pathogens that cause intracranial infection. Until now, there is no report to identify the key effectors of S. aureus during the intracranial infection. Methods: The murine intracranial abscesses model induced by S. aureus was constructed. The vital sign and survival rate of mice were observed to evaluate the infection. Histological examination was used to diagnose the pathological alterations of mouse tissues. The sensitivity of S. aureus to whole blood was evaluated by whole-blood killing assay. Results: In murine intracranial abscesses model, it was shown that the mortality caused by the accessory gene regulator (agr) locus deficient strain was significant decreased compared with its parent strain. Moreover, we found that RNAIII, the effector of agr system, was essential for the intracranial infection caused by S. aureus. In the further investigation, it was shown that restoration the expression of α-toxin in agr deficient strain could partially recover the mortality in the murine intracranial abscesses model. Conclusion: Our data suggested that the agr system of S. aureus is an important virulence determinant in the induction and mortality of intracranial abscesses in mice. .

Absceso cerebral posquirúrgico causado por Propionibacterium acnes / Post-surgery cerebral abscess due to Propionibacterium acnes

Los abscesos cerebrales por Propionibacterium acnes son poco frecuentes. Es importante para el médico clínico la rápida identificación de este patógeno para la elección de una terapéutica antibiótica adecuada. En este caso se describe un paciente con una exéresis de un glioblastoma multiforme donde a los 9 meses se evidenció la existencia de una recidiva tumoral, se efectuó una extirpación tumoral subtotal y la colocación de implantes de quimioterapia en el lecho tumoral residual. Al cabo de un mes de esta reoperación presentó una lesión ocupante compatible con un absceso cerebral, motivo por el cual se realizó nueva craneotomía y drenaje del mismo. En los cultivos de las biopsias y del material purulento se aisló P. acnes como flora única. Para la identificación se realizaron pruebas bioquímicas y se aplicó el sistema API20A. Se determinó la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) a clindamicina, penicilina, amoxicilina y metronidazol, los valores de CIM (ug/ml) obtenidos fueron: 0.250, 0.040, 0.023 y 256, respectivamente. El paciente recibió cefepime más metronidazol por vía endovenosa durante un período de 30 días y completó tratamiento con clindamicina por vía oral durante 60 días, dada la posible complicación ósea en el sitio de la infección. Luego de 8 meses de la intervención quirúrgica y el drenaje del absceso cerebral no hubo evidencia de signos clínicos de recidiva tumoral e infecciosa. P. acnes es un patógeno infrecuente como causal de abscesos cerebrales, sin embargo no se debe desestimar en muestras neuroquirúrgicas.

Brain abscesses by Propionibacterium acnes are rare. The rapid identification of this pathogen is important in order to choice the appropriate antibiotic therapy. We describe the case of a patient with excision of a multiform glioblastoma who 9 months later presented a tumor recurrence. A subtotal tumor excision was made and implants chemotherapy were placed in the residual tumor. After one month of surgery the patient presented a brain abscess. A craniotomy for drainage was performed. P. acnes was isolated from the biopsy and from purulent material. Identification was made by conventional biochemical tests and by the API system 20 A. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) to clindamycin, penicillin, amoxicillin and metronidazole was determined. The values of MIC (ug/ml) obtained were: 0.250, 0.040, 0.023 and 256, respectively. The patient received cefepime and metronidazole intravenously during 30 days and completed treatment with oral clindamycin for 60 days, considering the possibility of adjacent bone involvement. Eight months after the drainage the patient had no evidence of infection or tumor recurrence. Although P. acnes is a rare cause of post-neurosurgical infection, it should be considered as a possible pathogen in postoperative brain abscesses.

Predisposing factors of brain abscess in Ardabil

Brain abscess is a focal intracerebral infection, which begins as a localized area of cerebritis and develops into a collection of pus surrounded by a well-vascularized capsule. In the present study, we studied all patients with brain abscess admitted in Ardabil Fatemi hospital. In a retrospective hospital-based study, 24 patients with brain abscess entered the study. Medical records of patients were reviewed from January 2004 to January 2006. Brain abscess was defined as one or more localized lesions with the following characteristics in brain imaging [CT scan]: hypodense center with a peripheral uniform ring enhancement following the injection of contrast material, or affected region surrounded by variable hypodense area of brain edema or nodular enhancement or area of low attenuation without enhancement. Predisposing factors for brain abscess were surveyed by reviewing medical records. The study population included 17 males and 7 females with the mean age [ +/- standard deviation] of 27.0 +/- 21.3 years. The following predisposing factors were noted in 22 [[91.6%] patients; contiguous focus of infection [sinusitis and chronic otitis media] in 10 [41.6%], congenital heart disease in 5 [20.8%], post traumatic complications in 3 [12.5%], super infected hydatid cyst in 2 [8.3%] and neurosurgical complications in 2 cases [8.3%]. Ear in cerebellar and temporal lobe, frontal sinus in frontal lobe and heart in parietal lobe abscesses should be evaluated for the possible source of infection. Meanwhile, hydatid cyst may be an important risk for brain abscess in endemic areas like Ardabil

Orbital apex syndrome due to aspergillosis: case report

We report the case of a 73-year-old female who presented facial numbness and pain in the first division of the trigeminal nerve, ptosis, diplopia and visual loss on the right side for the previous four months. The neurological, radiological and histological examination demonstrated a rare case of invasive fungal aspergillosis of the central nervous system, causing orbital apex syndrome, later transformed in temporal brain abscess. She died ten months later due to respiratory and renal failure in spite of specific antimycotic therapy

Current concepts in the management of pyogenic brain abscess.

Current philosophy of treatment of brain abscess includes aspiration, appropriate antibiotics, treatment of sequelae and eradication of the primary source. Early clinical suspicion and diagnosis with CT is crucial. Small abscesses (<3 cm) in cerebritis or capsular stage located deep in clinically stable, poor surgical risk patients with diagnosis firmly supported by CT, may be treated with medical treatment only. Biweekly CT scan must be done to monitor the treatment response. CT or ultrasound guided aspiration should be performed in the event of clinical deterioration, failure of reduction in size or enlargement of abscesses. Encapsulated abscess (>3 cm), presence of significant neurological deficit or mass effect, doubt in the diagnosis and presumed resistant organisms are best treated with aspiration. Excision is required in large superficial abscesses resistant to multiple aspirations, post-traumatic abscess with a foreign body or fistula and multiloculated abscess of nocardial or actinomycotic aetiology. Results are directly related to the sensorium at the time of presentation. Stereotactic aspiration of all the loculi of multiloculated abscess in single or staged aspiration, and more completed drainage and lavage with endoscopic stereotactic evacuation may cut down indications of excision of brain abscess in future. It is concluded that, with diagnostic and technical advancements, a trend of adequate drainage of brain abscess via minimally invasive surgery is emerging. Confirmation of diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response with magnetic resonance spectroscopy may allow greater number of patients in future to be managed with medical treatment only.

Actinomicose cerebral: relato de caso / Actinomycosis of the brain: case report

O acometimento do sistema nervoso central por actinomicetos é raro, porém apresenta bom prognóstico se diagnosticado precocemente e tratado adequadamente. Um caso de abscesso cerebral actinomicótico é apresentado mostrando a necessidade de inclusão desta patologia no diagnóstico diferencial dos processos infecciosos que acometem o sistema nervoso central.

Brain abscess; clinical presentation

A study of 50 cases of brain abscess is presented, emphasis being on clinical presentation and early diagnosis. A comparison is made with other studies and recommendations are made for early diagnosis

Absceso Cerebral: parte II: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Cerebral abscess part II: treatment and diagnosis

El avance de los métodos diagnósticos, en especial neuroimágenes, y del arsenal terapéutico médico y neuroquirúrgico, al igual que el desarrollo de unidades de cuidados neurológicos e intensivos, ha disminuido significativamente las cifras de morbilidad y mortalidad del absceso cerebral. No obstante el retardo en el diagnóstico y el inadecuado tratamiento aumenta significativametne las posibilidades de daño cerebral severo-incapacitente y de muerte. Se presentan dos artículos en relación a este tema. En artículo previo (1,2) se abordaron los aspectos relacionados a la definición de esta patología, hallazgos histopatológicos, etiopatogenia y manifestaciones clínicas. En el presente artículo se desarrolla lo concerniente a diagnóstico y terapéutica

Cladophialophora bantiana (Previously Cladosporium trichoids): First report of a case in Brazil

Cladophialophora bantiana (Cladosporium trichoides) is a black fungus recorded rarely as a cause of brain abscess. Only 21 cases have been reported in the literature world-wide. We describe the first case seen in Brazil. A 30 year old, previously healthy female, HIV negative, came to the hospital with a clinical diagnosis of brain tumor. After biopsy and culture of the lesion, it was found that she had an abscess due to Cladosporium trichoides. During the following five months, the patient underwent three more surgical brain interventions to totally remove the area of compromised tissue. In addition to surgery, amphotericin B, both intravenously and intrathecally, was used followed by itraconazole orally, without sucess. Six months after the first surgical intervention, the patient died. The worldwide experience with diagnosis and treatment of patients with this diseases is reviewed.

Neurotoxoplasmose com apresentaçäo multifocal supurativa e hemorrágica: relato de caso / Neurotoxoplasmosis with multifocal suppurative and hemorrhagic presentation: case report

Neurotoxoplasmose e uma das infeccoes mais comuns em pacientes imunodeprimidos, podendo manifestar-se raramente sob a forma hemorragica. Descrevemos um caso com apresentacao tomografica caracterizada por imagens nodulares multiplas hiperdensas com edema perilesional. A correcao anatomo-patologicademonstrou lesoes focais hemorragicas pela toxoplasmose.

Abscesso actinomicótico do cerebelo: relato de caso / Actinomycotic abscess of the cerebellum: case report

Acometimento do sistema nervoso central por actinomicetos é extremamente raro. Os autores descrevem um caso de actinomicose de cerebelo, com diagnóstico estabelecido após remoçäo cirúrgica da lesäo e tratamento com sucesso com penicilina endovenosa e oral. Breve revisäo da literatura sobre o envolvimento do sistema nervoso na actinomicose é apresentada

Abscesso cerebelar por nocardia: relato de caso / Cerebellar abscess by Nocardia: a case report

A nocardiose do sistema nervoso central tem alcançado importante destaque no diagnóstico diferencial de patologias tumorais nos últimos anos pelo aumento da incidência de pacientes imunodeficiêntes (pacientes submetidos a quimioterapia, transplante de órgäos ou com a síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida - SIDA. Os autores descrevem o caso de um paciente com SIDA que desenvolveu nocardiose cerebelar na sua forma tumoral. O paciente foi submetido a craniectomia de fossa posterior para diagnóstico e tratamento. Os achados de neuroimagem e patológicos bem como a conduta cirúrgica säo discutidos com base em revisäo da literatura

Absceso cerebral en el Hospital Regional Honorio Delgado de Arequipa en el periodo de abril 1965 a abril 1995

Se encontró 30 casos (19 varones y 11 mujeres), la incidencia de esta patología se ha mantenido durante estos años a razón de un caso por año, es más frecuente en la segunda y tercera década de la vida; el sindrome frecuente fue el de hipertensión endocraneana 93.3 por ciento. Los sintomas fueron: cefalea 100 por ciento, náuseas y/o vomitos 93.3 por ciento; presentó alza térmica al ingreso 66.67 por ciento, el 20 por ciento presentaron convulsiones. En un porcentaje considerable 40 por ciento no hubo sospecha clínica diagnóstica de absceso cerebral al momento de ingreso. Los focos primarios fueron: traumáticos (11/30), otorrinolaringologías (8/30), hematógeno (6/30), sin foco aparente (5/30). En cuanto a su localización: frontal (13/30), temporal (6/30), parietales (3/30), frontoparietales (3/30), temporo-occipital (3/30), fronto-temporal y temporoparietal el resto; los abscesos cerebrales fueron únicos en el 90 por ciento. Exámenes de laboratorio en el 100 por ciento de los 20 pacientes que se realizó punción lumbar, hubo algún grado de pleocitosis en el líquido cefalorraquideo. El tratamiento fue solo médico (12), médico más quirúrgico (16) y no recibieron (2). La mortalidad fue del 43.3 por ciento, se realizarón cultivos para gérmenes comunes (19/30); fue negativo (8), se aisló estafilococo coagulasa (+) (6), estreptococo hemolítico (2), neumococo (2), estafilococo viridans (1) E. Coli; más estafilococo coagulasa (-) (1)

Disseminated intra-cerebral microabscesses: a clinico-pathologic study.

In this retrospective study, clinical and neuropathological features were analysed in eight patients with disseminated intracerebral microabscesses. All the patients presented with clinical features, suggestive of an encephalopathic process of an acute onset. Neuroradiological and laboratory investigations were not helpful in establishing the diagnosis in any patient during their hospital stay. All the eight patients died in the hospital and at autopsy disseminated intracerebral microabscesses were the most striking feature. In two patients hyphae of Candida albicans were demonstrated within the microabscesses. Gram negative bacilli in two patients and gram positive and gram positive cocci in one patient were demonstrated in the microabscesses. Disseminated intra-cerebral microabscesses are usually an unrecognised manifestation of central nervous system infections and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with encephalopathy of unknown aetiology.

Endocardite infecciosa e abscesso(s) cerebral(ais): estudo de 11 casos / Infectious endocarditis and cerebral abscess(es): study of 11 cases

Os autores discutem 11 casos de endocardites agudas com lesöes neurológicas, vistos durante um período de dois anos no Hospital dos Servidores do Estado - INAMPS/RJ. O Staphylococcus aureus foi o agente etiológico, caracterizado näo somente sob o ponto de vista microbiológico mas tambem clinicamente nos casos em que esse agente näo foi identificado nas hemoculturas. Focalizam-se especificamente, dentre as manifestaçöes neurológicas, o(s) abscesso(s) cerebral(ais), que säo mais freqüentemente múltiplos, podendo ser microscópicos ou macroscópicos. Enqanto tais lesöes säo extremamente raras nas endocardites lentas, o mesmo näo ocorre nas formas agudas. É incluído um caso de tetralogia de Fallot e abscesso cerebral, no qual a suspeita clínica inicial foi de endocardite, näo sendo contudo confirmada na necropsia (12§ caso). Os fenômenos tromboembólicos com isquemia cerebral, êmbolos infectados e germes virulentos säo os fatores responsáveis pelo(s) abscessos(s) cerebral(ais). A etiologia estafilocócica nas endocardites infecciosas tem traçado uma curva em notável ascensäo, associando-se geralmente a graves lesöes e a elevada mortalidade. Nem mesmo a introduçäo de eficazes antimicrobianos tem reduzido o alto percentual de agressäo desse agente ao sistema nervoso nesta patologia. A presença de abscesso(s) cerebral(ais) está freqüentemente aliada a outras graves alteraçöes, incluindo-se entre estas a hipertensäo intracraniana, de difícil controle, o(s) aneurismas(s) micóticos(s) e o(s) sangramento(s) intracerebral(ais) ou subaracnóideo(s), além de meningite e de outros achados que, todos, tornaram o prognóstico extremamente sombrio. Situaçäo caótica e näo rara é a ruptura de um abscesso para o sistema ventricular. A tomografia cerebral computadorizada, a angiografia digital de subtraçäo e a ressonância magnética representam notáveis progressos diangósticos...