Faculty of Medicine

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    VERTIGO AS AN INITIAL MANIFESTATION OF CHRONIC CEREBELLAR ABSCESS- CASE REPORT
    (Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2022)
    Ristik-Stomnaroska, Daniela
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    Aleksovska, Angela
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    Chronic cerebellar abscess is a rare clinical condition, considering the protective function of the blood-brain barrier. The prevalence of brain abscess is increasing with the increase in the number of people living with HIV, especially abscesses caused by a fungal infection. We present the case of a 67 year old male patient with acute onset of dizziness, associated with nausea, vomiting and unstable gait. Initial neurological examination revealed dysarthric speech, with discrete central paresis of the facial nerve, latent left-sided ataxic hemiparesis. In order to clarify the etiology of the expansive change in the left cerebellum, a series of examinations were performed. MRI of the brain was performed with IV contrast, which showed an oval intraaxial lesion with a maximum diameter of 20 x16 mm, on the left cerebellar side. Routine biochemical analyzes was normal, Immunoassay analysis of serum detected a multiple increase in the serum concentration of Immunglobulin E. In consultation with an infectologist, several samples of cerebrospinal fluid were sent for microbiological, parasitological (antibodies to toxoplasmosis, echinococcus and cysticercosis) and serological analysis. The patient was referred to a hematologist again, when a PET scan was performed which showed the presence of metabolically inactive lymph nodes, the same with benign characteristics. A craniotomy and surgical extirpation of the lesion were performed in consultation with a neurosurgeon. The treatment of brain abscesses is multidisciplinary and includes: a neurologist, infectologist, radiologist, neurosurgeon and an internal medicine specialist.
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    Acute encephalitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: case report and review of the literature
    (Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts – Medical Sciences, 2022-06-30)
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    Jacheva, Ivana
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    Gjorgieva, Snezhana
    Introduction: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), is a Gram-positive, spherical bacteria, member of the genus Streptococcus. It resides asymptomatically in healthy carriers typically colonizing the respiratory tract, sinuses, and nasal cavity. However, in susceptible individuals with weaker immune systems, pneumococcus may become pathogenic and spread to other locations causing cardiorespiratory and bone diseases as well as meningitis. Encephalitis and brain abscesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are rare entities and they account for less than 1% of all bacterial brain abscesses. Purpose: We aim to present a case report of an acute encephalitis in a 16 years old female patient caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, with review of the literature. Case Report: A 16 years old, right-handed female, was hospitalized at the clinic due to impaired consciousness (coma) and decerebrate posturing. The symptoms started the previous days with vomiting, drowsiness, subfebrile temperature and were originally perceived as food poisoning. Laboratory blood analysis were normal at the beginning and despite supportive therapy, deterioration of the clinical condition occurred, followed by confusion, muscle weakness and collapse. These symptoms were initially addressed as a functional neurological symptom disorder and the patient was referred to a psychiatrist. However, the patient’s condition got worse, with febrile symptoms, while the control laboratory blood examination showed signs of infectious syndrome. The patient was seen by infectologist and COVID-19 test was performed, with negative result. The analysis of CSF found bacterial infiltration, while the PCR test isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae. MRI of the brain (native and with contrast) showed bilateral multiple microabscesses, predominantly in the frontal and parietal regions. After the diagnosis was confirmed, the patient was treated promptly with antiedematous, antibiotic, neuroprotective and other symptomatic therapy for a period of 2 months. Her condition gradually improved completely, with amelioration of the state of consciousness and muscle weakness as well. Control laboratory blood analysis and CSF examination showed improvement as well, while the MRI of the brain displayed reduction of the previously described lesions and edema. Conclusion: The atypical clinical picture may sometimes mislead the treating physician. Cases with encephalitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae have been rarely described in the literature, however, early recognition and adequate treatment are crucial for the positive outcome.