Granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy: a case report and literature review
Background Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) is caused by Acanthamoeba species or Balamuthia mandrillaris, which are microscopic, free-living amoebas found worldwide. People with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of fatal cerebral infection caused by Acanthamoeba species, whe...
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The Korean Neurocritical Care Society
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Neurocritical Care |
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| Online Access: | http://e-jnc.org/upload/pdf/jnc-240032.pdf |
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| author | Marcos R. Flores Miranda G. Montion Aneesha N. Usman Munachiso A. Ngene Samir Ruxmohan |
| author_facet | Marcos R. Flores Miranda G. Montion Aneesha N. Usman Munachiso A. Ngene Samir Ruxmohan |
| author_sort | Marcos R. Flores |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) is caused by Acanthamoeba species or Balamuthia mandrillaris, which are microscopic, free-living amoebas found worldwide. People with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of fatal cerebral infection caused by Acanthamoeba species, whereas B. mandrillaris can affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Infections can involve the central nervous system causing GAE. Case Report A 71-year-old Caucasian woman, previously diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and undergoing chemotherapy, arrived at the emergency department exhibiting seizure-like symptoms. Brain imaging revealed bilateral cerebral masses with central necrosis and hemorrhage, among other findings. The patient underwent a biopsy and was diagnosed with GAE. Conclusion Unfortunately, even with the correct diagnosis, GAE leads to rapid deterioration and a higher risk of mortality. This case demonstrates the rapid and severe nature of GAE and emphasizes the need for ongoing studies and better treatment options to improve GAE outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3bbdd65c9c9c48e082d0e9ea50d16c3c |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2005-0348 2508-1349 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | The Korean Neurocritical Care Society |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Neurocritical Care |
| spelling | doaj-art-3bbdd65c9c9c48e082d0e9ea50d16c3c2025-08-20T02:52:55ZengThe Korean Neurocritical Care SocietyJournal of Neurocritical Care2005-03482508-13492024-12-01172889310.18700/jnc.240032420Granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy: a case report and literature reviewMarcos R. Flores0Miranda G. Montion1Aneesha N. Usman2Munachiso A. Ngene3Samir Ruxmohan4 Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis Department of Clinical Sciences, St. George’s University, School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USABackground Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) is caused by Acanthamoeba species or Balamuthia mandrillaris, which are microscopic, free-living amoebas found worldwide. People with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of fatal cerebral infection caused by Acanthamoeba species, whereas B. mandrillaris can affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Infections can involve the central nervous system causing GAE. Case Report A 71-year-old Caucasian woman, previously diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and undergoing chemotherapy, arrived at the emergency department exhibiting seizure-like symptoms. Brain imaging revealed bilateral cerebral masses with central necrosis and hemorrhage, among other findings. The patient underwent a biopsy and was diagnosed with GAE. Conclusion Unfortunately, even with the correct diagnosis, GAE leads to rapid deterioration and a higher risk of mortality. This case demonstrates the rapid and severe nature of GAE and emphasizes the need for ongoing studies and better treatment options to improve GAE outcomes.http://e-jnc.org/upload/pdf/jnc-240032.pdfimmunocompromised hostamebiasiscentral nervous system infectionsencephalitiscritical careneurology |
| spellingShingle | Marcos R. Flores Miranda G. Montion Aneesha N. Usman Munachiso A. Ngene Samir Ruxmohan Granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy: a case report and literature review Journal of Neurocritical Care immunocompromised host amebiasis central nervous system infections encephalitis critical care neurology |
| title | Granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy: a case report and literature review |
| title_full | Granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy: a case report and literature review |
| title_fullStr | Granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy: a case report and literature review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy: a case report and literature review |
| title_short | Granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy: a case report and literature review |
| title_sort | granulomatous amebic encephalitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy a case report and literature review |
| topic | immunocompromised host amebiasis central nervous system infections encephalitis critical care neurology |
| url | http://e-jnc.org/upload/pdf/jnc-240032.pdf |
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