[A brain abscess as a complication of hepatopulmonary syndrome coexisting with interstitial pneumonia]

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi. 2011 Jul;49(7):534-7.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A 76-year-old woman with a 20-year history of chronic hepatitis C was referred to our hospital for worsening exertional dyspnea. She had been given a diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia based on chest computed tomography findings 5 years previously. Contrast-enhanced echocardiography confirmed an intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt, and therefore we diagnosed hepatopulmonary syndrome comorbid with interstitial pneumonia. In July 2009 she was admitted to our hospital with a low grade fever, headache, and vomiting. We diagnosed a left cerebellar brain abscess caused by Streptococcus intermedius. She underwent stereotactic burr-hole drainage and received vancomycin, piperacillin and cefotaxime. Cases of brain abscess secondary to hepatopulmonary syndrome are rare. Nevertheless, we should be aware of this complication of hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Abscess / etiology*
  • Female
  • Hepatopulmonary Syndrome / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / complications*
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcus intermedius*