title: Serial magnetic resonance imaging findings of intracerebral spread of listeria utilising subcortical U-fibres and the extreme capsule.
abstract: We present a case of Listeria monocytogenes cerebral abscess with axonal spread via the subcortical U-fibres and extreme capsule on magnetic resonance imaging, with follow-up studies demonstrating serial reduction in oedema and enhancement pattern of the white-matter fibre tracts following antimicrobial treatment. We discuss the microbiological mechanism of bacterial mobility to account for these unique imaging features. Recognition of this distinct pattern of spread of L. monocytogenes cerebral abscess may aid in diagnosis and enable early microbiological culture and treatment.
authors: Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia charlie.ct.hsu@gmail.com.
authors: Charlie Chia-Tsong
authors: CC
authors: Hsu
authors: Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia.
authors: Dalveer
authors: D
authors: Singh
authors: Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia.
authors: Trevor William
authors: TW
authors: Watkins
authors: Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia.
authors: Gigi Nga Chi
authors: GN
authors: Kwan
authors: Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
authors: Matt
authors: M
authors: Skalski
authors: Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia.
authors: Sachintha
authors: S
authors: Hapugoda
authors: Department of Medical Imaging, Hutt Valley District Health Board, New Zealand.
authors: Ipeson
authors: I
authors: Korah
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000150:complications*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: Listeria monocytogenes; bacterial neural invasion; cerebral abscess; white-matter fibre tract