Recurrent brain abscess induced by pulmonary arteriovenous fistula

J Infect Chemother. 2011 Aug;17(4):552-4. doi: 10.1007/s10156-011-0210-9. Epub 2011 Jan 22.

Abstract

Brain abscess associated with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is sometimes difficult to diagnose and tends to recur. We report a case of recurrent brain abscess due to a pulmonary AVF (PAVF). A 69-year-old woman with a mass in the left cerebral peduncle had taken a progressively worse and shown decorticate rigidity. After an intravenous antibiotic for fever of unknown origin was changed, her condition gradually improved. She was discharged with the help of a cane. Thirty-one months later, she suffered left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass in the right lateral frontal lobe. At surgery, we confirmed pus in the cyst. A PAVF was detected and was treated with coil embolization. The left hemiparesis improved and the postoperative course was uneventful. Exhaustive study is absolutely necessary to detect the etiology of recurrent brain abscess and to achieve a cure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / complications*
  • Brain Abscess / complications*
  • Brain Abscess / drug therapy
  • Brain Abscess / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Artery / abnormalities*
  • Pulmonary Veins / abnormalities*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents