PubMed · 13809199
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Y C CHAO. 1959. [Brain abscess].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13809199/
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Citrobacter, a Gram-negative enteric bacillus, is a rare cause of septicemia and meningitis, seldom reported beyond the neonatal period. It is characterized by a fulminant clinical course and a high incidence of complications, including brain abscesses. We studied a three-month-old infant with Citrobacter meningitis, who developed acute communicating hydrocephalus and multiple periventricular brain abscesses while on treatment. The patient died, despite intensive antibiotic treatment directed towards the causative organism, C. diversus.
Serratia are known to be a possible cause of severe cerebral infections in neonates. We describe imaging of three premature infants infected with Serratia marcescens. Born in the 31( st), 25( th) and 28( th) weeks of gestation, they presented with signs of septicaemia on postnatal days 9, 24 and 32. Initial sonography showed cysts in the first child, two areas with anechoic centre and echogenic rim in the second, and several echogenic areas in the third. Lesions were seen on CT, of low density in two cases and minimally increased density in the third. MRI in the first patient showed cysts with incomplete contrast enhancement of the lesions, while patient 2 showed five ring-enhancing fluid-containing lesions with thick walls. In the third patient two abscesses with contrast enhancement and several high-signal spots were seen. We discuss the pathophysiology of the lesions and the impact of the various imaging methods.
Early diagnosis of cranial sepsis is mandatory if morbidity is to be avoided. In the case of structural integrity of the skull, haematogenous spread or extension from adjacent structures, especially the sinuses, are the most common sources of infection. Infections may be limited to compartments by the meninges or spread diffusely. Focal disease includes brain abscess as well as subdural and extradural empyaema. A history or signs of sinus disease should always be sought. Tuberculosis, lyme disease and listeriosis may present specific pathological findings. A series of cases is presented to illustrate the role of imaging in infective disease and to draw attention to diagnostic and management points of which radiologists should be aware.