Research Information System
Transplantation Proceedings, vol.38, no.9, pp.3121-3124, 2006 (SCI-Expanded)
Because of the immunosuppressive drugs used after organ transplantation, there is an increased rate of certain infections and malignancies. Nocardia brain abscess is a rare condition, seen most commonly among immunocompromised patients. It may be confused with intracranial tumors and requires long-term combined antibiotic therapy after drainage. Case Report: A patient who underwent renal transplantation because of end-stage renal disease of unknown origin was shown to have a nocardial brain abscess while she was taking immunosuppressive drugs. The patient was given combined antibiotics and the abscess drained surgically. After 2 months, antibiotic therapy was continued with one drug. Neither a complication nor clinical or radiological sequelae occurred in this patient. Conclusions: When central nervous system findings are observed in renal transplant recipients, nocardial brain abscess must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Recommended treatment duration is 6 to 12 months with frequent imaging. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.