Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy in a patient with spondylodiscitis

Abstract

Introduction

Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy is an uncommon but potentially severe complication of metronidazole treatment. Although the exact pathophysiology remains elusive, proposed hypotheses include RNA binding, neurotoxicity from free radicals, and modulation of neurotransmitter receptors. Most cases demonstrate improvement upon discontinuation of metronidazole, highlighting the importance of early recognition. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing metronidazole-induced encephalopathy, with characteristic imaging findings frequently observed in the dentate nuclei and corpus callosum.

Case summary

A 63-year-old man treated with metronidazole for lumbar spondylodiscitis developed neurological symptoms consistent with metronidazole-induced encephalopathy.

Images

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed characteristic bilateral hyperintense lesions in the cerebellar dentate nuclei, corpus callosum, and brainstem. Prompt recognition and discontinuation of metronidazole led to symptom resolution.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of clinicians and radiologists being aware of this condition and emphasizes the pivotal role of magnetic resonance imagining in establishing the diagnosis.

Keywords:

• Diagnosis
• encephalopathy
• magnetic resonance imaging
• metronidazole
• MRI

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.