Recurrent brain abscess induced by pulmonary arteriovenous fistula.

Abstract

Brain abscess associated with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is sometimes difficult to diagnose and tends to recur. We report a case of recurrent brain abscess due to a pulmonary AVF (PAVF). A 69-year-old woman with a mass in the left cerebral peduncle had taken a progressively worse and shown decorticate rigidity. After an intravenous antibiotic for fever of unknown origin was changed, her condition gradually improved. She was discharged with the help of a cane. Thirty-one months later, she suffered left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass in the right lateral frontal lobe. At surgery, we confirmed pus in the cyst. A PAVF was detected and was treated with coil embolization. The left hemiparesis improved and the postoperative course was uneventful. Exhaustive study is absolutely necessary to detect the etiology of recurrent brain abscess and to achieve a cure.

• Authors: Takanobu Kaido, Yoshio Moriyama, Katsuhiro Ueda, Wataru Higashiura, Hiroshi Sakaguchi, Kimihiko Kichikawa
• Journal: Journal of infection and chemotherapy : official journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy (J Infect Chemother) Vol. 17 Issue 4 Pg. 552-4 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1437-7780 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 21258953 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Aged
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Arteriovenous Fistula (complications)
• Brain Abscess (complications, drug therapy, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Pulmonary Artery (abnormalities)
• Pulmonary Veins (abnormalities)