Intracranial infection due to Mycobacterium lentiflavum: a case report and literature review / 中华神经科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of intracranial infection caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum. Methods:The clinical data of a patient with intracranial infection caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum admitted to Tianjin Haihe Hospital in May 2023 were collected. Meanwhile relevant literatures in databases were searched. Only 1 English literature (1 patient) was obtained. The clinical characteristics of this patient and the case reported in the literature were analyzed and summarized. Results:Totally 2 patients, including this case, and the patient with meningoencephalitis caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum reported in the literature, both are females, 42 and 55 years old respectively, both manifested a chronic course, without fever, and presented progressive headache and cognitive impairment. Clinical manifestations also included abnormal mental behavior, limb weakness, and seizure. At the early stage, only intracranial pressure increased, and cerebrospinal fluid tests were negative. As the disease aggravated, there was an elevation of cerebrospinal fluid cells and protein, with normal levels of glucose and chloride. Using brain tissue obtained by biopsy for polymerase chain reaction or next-generation sequencing examination, the pathogenic microorganism was confirmed, which made accurate diagnosis possible. Antibiotic treatment had good efficacy, with a long treatment course and a good prognosis. Conclusions:Central nervous system infection caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum is very rare, and a chronic disease course makes diagnosis very difficult. The treatment effect is significant, and the prognosis is excellent.