Neurolisteriosis causing hydrocephalus, trapped fourth ventricle, hindbrain herniation and syringomyelia

Abstract

Central nervous system infection by Listeria monocytogenes is relatively uncommon, but is known to be highly morbid and fatal. We describe a case of listeria meningoencephalitis, wherein the acute episode was followed by a hitherto unreported conglomeration of severe and progressive neurological sequelae, in the form of supratentorial hydrocephalus, aqueduct block, trapped fourth ventricle, hindbrain herniation and syringomyelia. Pertinent literature is reviewed and the pathogenesis of the observed sequelae is explored.

Fatal Drowning Accident and Undiagnosed Hydrocephalus

“…3). Although a reduced CSF reabsorption through the impaired Pacchioni’s granulations cannot be excluded, in our opinion the most probable etiopathogenesis of the victim’s hydrocephalus is a postinfective obstruction of the fourth ventricle outlets, a previously described condition (7,8). …”

A case of Listeria meningoencephalitis complicated by hydrocephalus in an immunocompetent infant

“…Another series has shown that hydrocephalus develops in only one of 35 patients with Listeria meningitis [5]. The time of appearance of the hydrocephalus has varied from a few weeks to over one year [3,9]. In our case, hydrocephalus was manifested during the first week (day 7).…”

“…In contrast to tuberculous meningitis [3], hydrocephalus caused by Listeria meningitis has been uncommon [3,7,9,10]. Large series have demonstrated that 19% of CT scans from Listeria meningitis patients show hydrocephalus and abscess without distinguishing between the two of them [7].…”

A case of meningoencephalitis caused byListeria monocytogenesin a healthy child

“…Listeria infections are frequently transmitted through food. Listeria infections are associated with sepsis, meningoencephalitis, and granulomas7, 8). When infection due to listeria occurs, it can be fatal; the mortality rate is up to 30%.…”