Neurobrucellosis

Abstract

Brucellosis is a multisystem infection with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Its nervous system involvement is known as neurobrucellosis. Neurobrucellosis (NB) has neither a typical clinical picture nor specific cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings. Its diagnosis is based on the existence of a neurologic picture not explained by any other neurologic disease, evidenced by systemic brucellar infection and the presence of inflammatory alteration in CSF. Imaging findings of NB is divided into four categories: (1) normal, (2) inflammation (recognized by granulomas, abnormal enhancement of the meninges, perivascular space, or lumbar nerve roots), (3) white matter changes, and (4) vascular changes.

An Uncommon Case of Pediatric Neurobrucellosis Associated with Intracranial Hypertension

“…Myelitis, radiculoneuritis, brain and epidural abscess, and meningovascular syndromes are other inflammatory processes encountered [2]. MRI examination may present with normal findings, inflammatory changes, or white matter and vascular changes [8, 9]. …”

Extensive cranial, spinal and abdominal involvement in brucellosis: a case with review of the literature

“…MRI with contrast is the method of imaging to evaluate neurobrucellosis. Kizilkilic and Calli [3] indicated that the course of cerebral parenchymal infection in neurobrucellosis resembles to those seen in chronic brain abscesses starting from early cerebritis to well demarcated rim enhancing abscess formation. At the presented case, brain MRI showed diffuse pachymeningeal thickening and enhancement together with nodular, diffusely enhancing, T2 hyperintense lesions located at the right frontal cortex.…”

“…Most common manifestations of neurobrucellosis are meningitis, meningoencephalitis, cerebritis, brain abscess, leukoencephalopathy, demyelinating or vascular diseases [3,4]. Among those, meningitis and meningoencephalitis are seen in approximately half of the cases [3]. Pseudotumor cerebri together with optic neuritis may cause papilledema.…”

Occupational Neurobrucellosis Mimicking a Brain Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…The vestibulocochlear nerve has been reported to be the most commonly affected cranial nerve where the patients present with vestibuloacoustic neuritis or hearing loss [6]. …”