Brain Abscesses in Crohn’s Disease as a Complication of Infliximab Therapy

Abstract

Infliximab therapy is highly effective in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Infliximab-induced immunosuppression increases the risk for various infections, including opportunistic infections. We describe a case of brain abscesses as a complication of infliximab therapy in a 65-year-old man. It was elucidated that the brain abscesses developed from the presumed hematogenous spread of bacteria from recently treated paraspinal abscesses. Close attention should be given to patients on infliximab therapy presenting with any neurological sign or symptom to allow for timely diagnosis and prompt management of a potential central nervous system infection.

Streptococcus constellatus Brain Abscess in a Middle-Aged Man With an Undiagnosed Patent Foramen Ovale

“…Among the few reported cases of Streptococcus constellatus brain abscess, routes of infectious spread included direct seeding from dental infection and hematogenous spread originating from infective endocarditis or paraspinal abscess [ 14 - 17 ]. This patient's case was not only a rare route of infectious spread among cases of brain abscesses but also may be the first reported case of Streptococcus constellatus brain abscess caused by hematogenous spread through a PFO.…”