Cerebellar abscess due to Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract

Brain abscess due to listeria monocytogenes mainly involves the cerebral hemispheres. Cerebellar abscess is an infrequent event, which could lead to rapid neurological deterioration if unrecognized. We present a case of multiple brain stem and cerebellar abscesses in a previously healthy individual exposed to unpasteurized milk. This is the 2nd case of cerebellar abscess due to listeria monocytogenes reported in the English literature. The diagnosis of listeria monocytogenes was made in the surgical specimen. Our case illustrates the difficulty of early diagnosis of cerebellar listeria monocytogenes abscesses and the importance of prompt neurosurgical intervention.