Neurolisteriosis: The Importance of a Prompt Diagnosis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Silva, C (Author) Other; Ferrao, D (Author) Other; Almeida, M (Author) Other; Nogueira Silva, L (Author) FMUP; Almeida, JS (Author) Other

Journal

Title: CUREUS

Vol. 13

ISSN: 2168-8184

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-8C6

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16662

Abstract (EN): Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a prevalent disease that may need immunosuppressant treatment, which increases the risk of an opportunistic infection. We present the case of a woman with corticosteroid-resistant ITP who was electively admitted to the hospital to initiate second-line treatment. On the second day, she presented with a high fever and altered mental status, with no lesions on the cerebral tomography and inconclusive cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Nonetheless, she was promptly started on empiric antibiotics for meningitis which were then adjusted for Listeria monocytogenes, isolated in blood culture. The cerebral magnetic resonance showed signs of cerebritis and pyogenic foci. The patient was discharged after 73 days of treatment, asymptomatic and with no neurological sequelae. The mortality rate of neurolisteriosis can be as high as 50%. The median time between the initial symptoms and their detection is seven days, with many patients already developing cerebral abscesses. The favorable outcome of this patient was due to the precocious detection and start of the treatment.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4