Brain Nocardiosis Defined by 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT

Abstract

Abstract Nocardia infection (nocardiosis) is usually acquired by inhalation; so pulmonary nocardiosis is the most common clinical presentation. Extrapulmonary localization occurs through hematogenous dissemination or contiguous spread. Nocardia can involve the central nervous system in a very reduced number of patients, mainly in immunocompromised. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of aggressive systemic mastocytosis, treated with chemotherapy 1 year ago. Patient reported intense headache, disorientation, and blurry vision without other symptoms being diagnosed with a rare brain nocardiosis by Nocardia cerradoensis. Neither bacteremia nor pulmonary involvement was detected. Brain PET/CT illustrated 18F-fluorocholine avidity on brain abscesses.