Nocardia brain abscess mimicking brain tumour in immunocompetent patients: report of two cases and review of the literature

Menku A., Kurtsoy A., Tucer B., Yildiz O., Akdemir H.

ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA, vol.146, no.4, pp.411-414, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 146 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00701-004-0215-6
  • Journal Name: ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.411-414
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Nocardia brain abscess is a rare intracranial lesion and has been reported in immunocompromised patients. An optimal treatment approach has not been established. However, early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are very important factors for a good outcome. We report two unusual cases of Nocardia brain abscess simulating brain tumour in immunocompetent patients. One of the cases was presumed to be a primary brain tumour and the other a metastatic brain tumour. They underwent surgical gross total resection. After Nocardia asteroides was seen on Gram's stain and subsequently identified by culture, appropriate antibiotic therapy was initiated.