Brain abscess caused by Parvimonas micra: A rare case report and literature review

Anaerobe. 2023 Apr:80:102711. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2023.102711. Epub 2023 Feb 1.

Abstract

Brain abscesses mostly develop due to direct infection caused by a nearby infectious lesion or hematogenous spread and are rarely caused by an odontogenic infection. We report a 47-year-old woman who presented with high fever, disturbed consciousness, headache, and neck pain. Imaging studies revealed a ring-shaped enhanced mass in the left frontal lobe causing a mass effect and midline shift. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed a peak alanine concentration of 1.5 ppm. Supraorbital keyhole surgery with abscess removal was performed, and a bacterial culture confirmed a diagnosis of Parvimonas micra infection. After undergoing 6-week antibiotic treatment, the patient's symptoms resolved completely. No recurrence of abscess was observed during the follow-up period. Although brain abscess caused by P. micra has rarely been reported, an odontogenic origin should be investigated, especially when a patient has a history of periodontal infection or tooth extraction.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Brain abscess; Parvimonas micra; Supraorbital keyhole approach; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Brain Abscess* / diagnosis
  • Brain Abscess* / drug therapy
  • Brain Abscess* / etiology
  • Female
  • Firmicutes
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Parvimonas micra