Non-granulomatous cerebellar infection by Acanthamoeba spp. in an immunocompetent host.

Acanthamoeba spp. is a free-living amoeba, frequently involved in keratitis by contact lens in immunocompetent hosts. Anecdotal reports associate Acanthamoeba spp. as a cause of severe granulomatous encephalitis in immunocompromised and, less frequently, in immunocompetent subjects. Data regarding clinical and therapeutic management are scanty and no defined therapeutic guidelines are available. We describe an unusual case of non-granulomatous Acanthamoeba cerebellitis in an immunocompetent adult male, with abrupt onset of neurological impairment, subtle hemorrhagic infarction at magnetic resonance imaging, and initial suspicion of cerebellar neoplasm. Histopathological findings of excised cerebellar mass revealed the presence of necrosis and inflammation with structure resembling amoebic trophozoites, but without granulomas. Polymerase chain reaction from cerebellar tissue was positive for Acanthamoeba T4 genotype. Due to gastrointestinal intolerance to miltefosine, the patient was treated with long-term course of fluconazole and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, obtaining complete clinical and neuroradiological resolution.

A clinical case of Fournier's gangrene: imaging ultrasound.

Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressing necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineal, perianal, or genital regions and constitutes a true surgical emergency with a potentially high mortality rate. Although the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene is often made clinically, emergency ultrasonography and computed tomography lead to an early diagnosis with accurate assessment of disease extent. The Authors report their experience in ultrasound diagnosis of one case of Fournier's gangrene of testis illustrating the main sonographic signs and imaging diagnostic protocol.