Brain Nocardiosis Defined by 18 F-Fluorocholine PET/CT

Clin Nucl Med. 2023 Apr 1;48(4):327-329. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000004564. Epub 2023 Jan 20.

Abstract

Nocardia infection (nocardiosis) is usually acquired by inhalation; so pulmonary nocardiosis is the most common clinical presentation. Extrapulmonary localization occurs through hematogenous dissemination or contiguous spread. Nocardia can involve the central nervous system in a very reduced number of patients, mainly in immunocompromised. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of aggressive systemic mastocytosis, treated with chemotherapy 1 year ago. Patient reported intense headache, disorientation, and blurry vision without other symptoms being diagnosed with a rare brain nocardiosis by Nocardia cerradoensis . Neither bacteremia nor pulmonary involvement was detected. Brain PET/CT illustrated 18 F-fluorocholine avidity on brain abscesses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain
  • Brain Abscess*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nocardia Infections*
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography

Substances

  • fluorocholine