Listeria monocytogenes encephalitis: an unusual cause of reversible confusion in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme

Abstract

Confusion frequently occurs in patients with gliomas for a number of reasons. One cause is a superimposed intracerebral infection. The case of a 73-year-old man who deteriorated after debulking of a high-grade glioma is described. However, he was successfully treated for Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) diagnosed from blood cultures. This case highlights the importance for all health care workers to have a low threshold for diagnosing reversible causes of confusion in patients with gliomas – including this particularly rare cause, and not attributing their symptoms to the primary intracranial pathology.

Key words:

• Brain tumours
• craniotomy
• infection
• Listeria monocytogenesus

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.