Nocardia brain abscess mimicking brain tumour in immunocompetent patients: report of two cases and review of the literature

• DOI: 10.1007/s00701-004-0215-6
• Publication Date: 2004-03-30T17:29:26Z
• Authors: B. Tucer; O. Yildiz; H. Akdemir; A. Menk�; A. Kurtsoy
• Keywords: Brain abscess; Neuroradiology; Nocardia Infections; Interventional radiology; Gram staining

Nocardia brain abscess is a rare intracranial lesion and has been reported in immunocompromised patients. An optimal treatment approach has not been established. However, early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are very important factors for a good outcome. We report two unusual cases of Nocardia brain abscess simulating brain tumour in immunocompetent patients. One of the cases was presumed to be a primary brain tumour and the other a metastatic brain tumour. They underwent surgical gross total resection. After Nocardia asteroides was seen on Gram's stain and subsequently identified by culture, appropriate antibiotic therapy was initiated.