Actinomicose cerebral: observação anatomo-clinica e revisão da literatura brasileira Cerebral actinomycosis: case report and review of the Brazilian literature

Abstract

Os autores relatam a observação anátomo-clínica de um paciente de 33 anos, com síndrome de hipertensão intracraniana e hemiparesia à direita. O líquido cefalorraqueano revelava discreta hipercitose linfomonocitária. A autópsia mostrou três abscessos cerebrais, com edema difuso mais intenso no hemisfério cerebral esquerdo, sem leptomeningite purulenta. O exame histopatológico demonstrou grãos actinomicóticos nos abscessos cerebrais e pulmonares. A literatura brasileira sobre neuroactinomicose é analisada, com encontro de seis casos, publicados entre 1934 e 1946. São discutidos aspectos clínicos e anátomo-patológicos relevantes dos casos nacionais.A case of central nervous system actinomycosis is reported. A 33-year-old male complained of headache, vomiting and blurred vision lasting for eight days prior to admission. On examination, a right hemiparesis, as well an intracranial hypertension were detected. The cerebrospinal fluid showed mild lymphomononuclear hypercytosis. Necropsy disclosed three abscess in the cerebral hemispheres, in addition to moderate cerebral edema on the left side but without purulent leptomeningitis. Actinomyces filaments and granules were demonstrated in the cerebral and lung abscesses. The Brazilian literature on actinomycosis is reviewed and six published cases with nervous system involvement were found. Relevant clinical and anatomical aspects of the cases and of the present one are discussed.