Balamuthia mandrillaris brain abscess successfully treated with complete surgical excision and prolonged combination antimicrobial therapy

J Neurosurg. 2011 Feb;114(2):458-62. doi: 10.3171/2010.10.JNS10677. Epub 2010 Nov 12.

Abstract

Amoebic encephalitis is an uncommon and usually fatal condition. This case describes successful treatment of a Balamuthia mandrillaris brain abscess using prolonged antimicrobial agents with complete excision. It illustrates the risk of dissemination from cutaneous to cerebral amoebic lesions, potential progression with corticosteroid therapy, and the prospect for curative excision.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amebiasis / drug therapy*
  • Amebiasis / surgery*
  • Amoebida
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Abscess / drug therapy*
  • Brain Abscess / surgery*
  • Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections / surgery*
  • Female
  • Frontal Lobe / surgery*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents