Listeria monocytogenes brainstem infection (rhombencephalitis) mimicking ischemic stroke

J Clin Neurosci. 2014 Nov;21(11):2006-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2014.03.021. Epub 2014 Jun 21.

Abstract

The frequency of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection of the central nervous system is increasing. We report a patient recently treated with chemotherapeutic drugs for pulmonary adenocarcinoma who suddenly developed hemiparesis, was initially diagnosed with stroke, and was then found to be affected by Lm rhombencephalitis accompanied by a brain abscess. Lm meningoencephalitis mimicking ischemic stroke is rare but must be considered, especially in specific patients.

Keywords: Brain abscess; Listeria monocytogenes; Rhombencephalitis; Stroke mimics.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Brain Abscess / complications
  • Brain Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Brain Abscess / drug therapy
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology*
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Listeria monocytogenes* / isolation & purification
  • Listeriosis / diagnosis*
  • Listeriosis / drug therapy
  • Listeriosis / microbiology
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Meningoencephalitis / diagnosis
  • Meningoencephalitis / microbiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Paresis / microbiology*
  • Rhombencephalon / microbiology*
  • Stroke / diagnosis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents