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Grahl MVC, Andrade BDS, Perin APA, Neves GA, Duarte LDS, Uberti AF, Hohl KS, Follmer C, Carlini CR. Could the Urease of the Gut Bacterium Proteus mirabilis Play a Role in the Altered Gut-Brain Talk Associated with Parkinson's Disease? Microorganisms 2023; 11:2042. [PMID: 37630602 PMCID: PMC10459573 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal dysbiosis seems to play a role in neurodegenerative pathologies. Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have an altered gut microbiota. Moreover, mice treated orally with the gut microbe Proteus mirabilis developed Parkinson's-like symptoms. Here, the possible involvement of P. mirabilis urease (PMU) and its B subunit (PmUreβ) in the pathogenesis of PD was assessed. Purified proteins were given to mice intraperitoneally (20 μg/animal/day) for one week. Behavioral tests were conducted, and brain homogenates of the treated animals were subjected to immunoassays. After treatment with PMU, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in Caco2 cells and cellular permeability was assayed in Hek 293. The proteins were incubated in vitro with α-synuclein and examined via transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that PMU treatment induced depressive-like behavior in mice. No motor deficits were observed. The brain homogenates had an increased content of caspase-9, while the levels of α-synuclein and tyrosine hydroxylase decreased. PMU increased the pro-inflammatory cytokines and altered the cellular permeability in cultured cells. The urease, but not the PmUreβ, altered the morphology of α-synuclein aggregates in vitro, forming fragmented aggregates. We concluded that PMU promotes pro-inflammatory effects in cultured cells. In vivo, PMU induces neuroinflammation and a depressive-like phenotype compatible with the first stages of PD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus V. C. Grahl
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences and Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (M.V.C.G.); (A.F.U.)
- School of Health Sciences, University Center Ritter dos Reis, Porto Alegre 90840-440, RS, Brazil
| | - Brenda da Silva Andrade
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21944-590, RJ, Brazil; (B.d.S.A.); (G.A.N.); (L.d.S.D.)
| | - Ana Paula A. Perin
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Gilda A. Neves
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21944-590, RJ, Brazil; (B.d.S.A.); (G.A.N.); (L.d.S.D.)
| | - Laura de Souza Duarte
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21944-590, RJ, Brazil; (B.d.S.A.); (G.A.N.); (L.d.S.D.)
| | - Augusto Frantz Uberti
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences and Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (M.V.C.G.); (A.F.U.)
| | - Kelvin Siqueira Hohl
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences—Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil;
| | - Cristian Follmer
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Physical-Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Celia Regina Carlini
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Brain Diseases, Excitotoxity and Neuroprotection (INCT-EN), Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
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BACTERIAL IDENTIFICATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY FROM THE ABSCESSES OF CAPTIVE TORTOISES-CLINICAL ANTIBIOTIC RECOMMENDATIONS. J Zoo Wildl Med 2022; 53:424-432. [PMID: 35758584 DOI: 10.1638/2021-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial abscesses are commonly seen in tortoises. The morbidity and the resultant mortality are high. Multifactorial problems, antibiotics misapplication. and antibiotic-resistant bacteria make abscess treatment complicated and ineffective. This study identifies the etiological bacterial species and determines the best antibiotics for abscess treatment in captive tortoises. Sterile swab specimens from 40 tortoises with abscesses were analyzed using the Analytical Profile Index (API) system. Sixty-five bacteria species were identified covering facultative anaerobic gram-negative (n = 30, 46.2%), facultative anaerobic gram-positive (n = 19, 29.2%), and aerobic gram-negative bacteria (n = 16, 24.6%). The antibiotic sensitivity of these bacteria to 30 antibiotics was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method. Greater than 80% anaerobic gram-negative bacterial species showed sensitivity to amikacin and ceftazidime. Greater than 80% anaerobic gram-positive bacterial species were sensitive to amoxicillin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and penicillin. In addition, more than 80% aerobic gram-negative bacterial species were sensitive to ceftazidime, colistin sulphate, amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, polymyxin B, and tobramycin. This study provides clinicians significant information for initial antibiotic options, which could elevate the abscess therapy success rate and improve the life quality of tortoises.
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Broll V, Perin APA, Lopes FC, Martinelli AHS, Moyetta NR, Fruttero LL, Grahl MV, Uberti AF, Demartini DR, Ligabue-Braun R, Carlini CR. Non-enzymatic properties of Proteus mirabilis urease subunits. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Grahl MVC, Uberti AF, Broll V, Bacaicoa-Caruso P, Meirelles EF, Carlini CR. Proteus mirabilis Urease: Unsuspected Non-Enzymatic Properties Relevant to Pathogenicity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137205. [PMID: 34281258 PMCID: PMC8268090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by Proteus mirabilis causes urinary stones and catheter incrustation due to ammonia formed by urease (PMU), one of its virulence factors. Non-enzymatic properties, such as pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic activities, were previously reported for distinct ureases, including that of the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Here, PMU was assayed on isolated cells to evaluate its non-enzymatic properties. Purified PMU (nanomolar range) was tested in human (platelets, HEK293 and SH-SY5Y) cells, and in murine microglia (BV-2). PMU promoted platelet aggregation. It did not affect cellular viability and no ammonia was detected in the cultures’ supernatants. PMU-treated HEK293 cells acquired a pro-inflammatory phenotype, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. SH-SY5Y cells stimulated with PMU showed high levels of intracellular Ca2+ and ROS production, but unlike BV-2 cells, SH-SY5Y did not synthesize TNF-α and IL-1β. Texas Red-labeled PMU was found in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus of all cell types. Bioinformatic analysis revealed two bipartite nuclear localization sequences in PMU. We have shown that PMU, besides urinary stone formation, can potentially contribute in other ways to pathogenesis. Our data suggest that PMU triggers pro-inflammatory effects and may affect cells beyond the renal system, indicating a possible role in extra-urinary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus V. C. Grahl
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BRAINS) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (M.V.C.G.); (A.F.U.)
| | - Augusto F. Uberti
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BRAINS) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (M.V.C.G.); (A.F.U.)
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Paula Bacaicoa-Caruso
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BRAINS) and Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil;
| | - Evelin F. Meirelles
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BRAINS), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil;
| | - Celia R. Carlini
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BRAINS) and School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-51-33205986
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Ganau M, Mankad K, Srirambhatla UR, Tahir Z, D'Arco F. Ring-enhancing lesions in neonatal meningitis: an analysis of neuroradiology pitfalls through exemplificative cases and a review of the literature. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2018; 8:333-341. [PMID: 29774186 DOI: 10.21037/qims.2018.01.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Very often the clinical course of neonatal meningitis (NM) is characterized by sudden worsening, at times associated with cerebrovascular complications and strokes or the formation of cerebral abscesses. The immediate recognition of these pathological patterns is pivotal in providing clinicians with useful information to differentiate between those different pathological entities, which may both present as ring-enhancing lesions on neuroradiology investigations. Understanding their natural history and diagnostic features is of paramount importance to timely adopt the most appropriate medical and surgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Ganau
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Paediatric Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Uma Rami Srirambhatla
- Department of Paediatric Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Zubair Tahir
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Felice D'Arco
- Department of Paediatric Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
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Chung MH, Kim G, Han A, Lee J. Case Report of Neonatal Proteus mirabilis Meningitis and Brain Abscess with Negative Initial Image Finding: Consideration of Serial Imaging Studies. NEONATAL MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.5385/nm.2017.24.4.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Hae Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Geonju Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Aluem Han
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Juyoung Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Coskun Y, Akman I, Yildirim C, Demir MK. A newborn with hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis due to <i>Proteus mirabilis </i>. Drug Discov Ther 2016; 10:334-337. [DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2016.01068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Coskun
- Department of Pediatrics, Goztepe Medicalpark Hospital, Bahcesehir University School of Medicine
| | - Ipek Akman
- Department of Pediatrics, Goztepe Medicalpark Hospital, Bahcesehir University School of Medicine
| | - Canan Yildirim
- Department of Pediatrics, Goztepe Medicalpark Hospital, Bahcesehir University School of Medicine
| | - Mustafa Kemal Demir
- Department of Radiology, Goztepe Medicalpark Hospital, Bahcesehir University School of Medicine
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Carlini CR, Ligabue-Braun R. Ureases as multifunctional toxic proteins: A review. Toxicon 2015; 110:90-109. [PMID: 26690979 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ureases are metalloenzymes that hydrolyze urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. They were the first enzymes to be crystallized and, with them, the notion that enzymes are proteins became accepted. Novel toxic properties of ureases that are independent of their enzyme activity have been discovered in the last three decades. Since our first description of the neurotoxic properties of canatoxin, an isoform of the jack bean urease, which appeared in Toxicon in 1981, about one hundred articles have been published on "new" properties of plant and microbial ureases. Here we review the present knowledge on the non-enzymatic properties of ureases. Plant ureases and microbial ureases are fungitoxic to filamentous fungi and yeasts by a mechanism involving fungal membrane permeabilization. Plant and at least some bacterial ureases have potent insecticidal effects. This entomotoxicity relies partly on an internal peptide released upon proteolysis of ingested urease by insect digestive enzymes. The intact protein and its derived peptide(s) are neurotoxic to insects and affect a number of other physiological functions, such as diuresis, muscle contraction and immunity. In mammal models some ureases are acutely neurotoxic upon injection, at least partially by enzyme-independent effects. For a long time bacterial ureases have been recognized as important virulence factors of diseases by urease-producing microorganisms. Ureases activate exocytosis in different mammalian cells recruiting eicosanoids and Ca(2+)-dependent pathways, even when their ureolytic activity is blocked by an irreversible inhibitor. Ureases are chemotactic factors recognized by neutrophils (and some bacteria), activating them and also platelets into a pro-inflammatory "status". Secretion-induction by ureases may play a role in fungal and bacterial diseases in humans and other animals. The now recognized "moonlighting" properties of these proteins have renewed interest in ureases for their biotechnological potential to improve plant defense against pests and as potential targets to ameliorate diseases due to pathogenic urease-producing microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Canpolat M, Ceylan O, Per H, Koc G, Tumturk A, Kumandas S, Patiroglu T, Doganay S, Gumus H, Unal E, Kose M, Gorkem SB, Kurtsoy A, Ozturk MK. Brain abscesses in children: results of 24 children from a reference center in Central Anatolia, Turkey. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:458-67. [PMID: 25223695 DOI: 10.1177/0883073814549247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Childhood brain abscesses are a rare and potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent diagnosis and treatment. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical and radiologic findings of 24 (7 girl, 17 boys) cases with brain abscess. Mean age was 92.98 ± 68.04 months. The most common presenting symptoms were nausea-vomiting (45.8%) and headache (41.7%). Brain abscess was most commonly located in the frontal region. Diffusion restriction was determined in 78.4% of lesions. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient value in these lesions was 0.511 ± 0.23 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s. Cultures were sterile in 40% of cases. Antimicrobial therapy was given to only 16.7% of cases. Predisposing factors were identified in 91.6% of cases (congenital heart disease in 20.8% and immunosuppression in 20.8%). Mortality level was 12.5%. In conclusion, immunocompromised states, and congenital heart disease have become an important predisposing factor for brain abscesses. Effective and prompt management should ensure better outcome in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Canpolat
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Ceylan
- Division of Pediatric Infectious diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Per
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gonca Koc
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Abdulfettah Tumturk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sefer Kumandas
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Turkan Patiroglu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Selim Doganay
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Hakan Gumus
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ekrem Unal
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Kose
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sureyya Burcu Gorkem
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ali Kurtsoy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kursat Ozturk
- Division of Pediatric Infectious diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Ruess L, Dent CM, Tiarks HJ, Yoshida MA, Rusin JA. Neonatal deep white matter venous infarction and liquefaction: a pseudo-abscess lesion. Pediatr Radiol 2014; 44:1393-402. [PMID: 25304462 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-014-3006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep white matter hemorrhagic venous infarction with subsequent cavitation due to necrosis and liquefaction has been described in neonates and may be associated with infection and meningitis. In our experience, the MRI pattern of these lesions is confused with the pattern seen with cerebral abscesses. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to characterize the MRI findings of post infarction necrosis and liquefaction after hemorrhagic deep white matter venous infarction in infants and to distinguish these lesions from cerebral abscesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS An institutional review board approved a retrospective review of imaging records to identify all patients with cerebral venous infarction at a children's hospital during a 10-year period. Nine infants had deep white matter hemorrhagic venous infarction with white matter fluid signal cavitary lesions. A diagnosis of cerebral abscess was considered in all. The imaging and laboratory findings in these patients are reviewed and compared to descriptions of abscesses found in the literature. RESULTS There were six female and three male infants. The mean age at presentation was 20 days (range: 0-90 days), while the corrected age at presentation was less than 30 days for all patients. Seven patients presented with seizures and signs of infection; one infant presented with lethargy and later proved to have protein C deficiency. MRI was performed 0-12 days from presentation in these eight patients. Another patient with known protein C deficiency underwent MRI at 30 days for follow-up of screening US abnormalities. There were a total of 38 deep cerebral white matter fluid signal cavitary lesions: 25 frontal, 9 parietal, 2 temporal, 2 occipital. Larger lesions had dependent debris. All lesions had associated hemorrhage and many lesions had evidence of adjacent small vessel venous thrombosis. Lesions imaged after gadolinium showed peripheral enhancement. Three lesions increased in size on follow-up imaging. Three patients, two with meningitis confirmed via microbiology and one with presumed meningitis by CSF counts, underwent surgical aspiration of a total of six lesions. All specimens were sent for pathology and culture and were negative for microorganisms. CONCLUSION Recognizing the MR appearance of cavitary necrosis and liquefaction after deep white matter cerebral venous infarction in neonates can distinguish this entity from cerebral abscess and potentially avoid an unnecessary neurosurgical aspiration procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Ruess
- Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA,
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Kanawaku Y, Yanase T, Hayashi K, Harada K, Kanetake J, Fukunaga T. An autopsy case of otogenic intracranial abscess and meningitis with Bezold's abscess: evaluation of inflammatory bone destruction by postmortem cone-beam CT. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2013; 15:323-8. [PMID: 24112990 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The deceased was an unidentified young male found unconscious on a walkway. On autopsy, outer and inner fistulae of the left temporal bone, subcutaneous abscess in the left side of the neck and head, and an intracranial abscess were noted. A portion of the left temporal bone was removed and scanned by cone-beam computed tomography (CT) (normally used for dentistry applications) to evaluate the lesion. The cone-beam CT image revealed roughening of the bone wall and hypolucency of the mastoid air cells, consistent with an inflammatory bone lesion. According to autopsy and imaging findings, the cause of death was diagnosed as intracranial abscess with Bezold's abscess secondary to left mastoiditis as a complication of otitis media. Although determining the histopathology of bone specimens is time-consuming and costly work, we believe that use of cone-beam CT for hard tissue specimens can be useful in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimasa Kanawaku
- Department of Forensic Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama 359-8513, Japan; Tokyo Medical Examiner's Office, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Japan.
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