Tunisian Journal of Emergency Medicine

Suppurative infection of the central nervous system secondary to Streptococcus constellatus: about three cases

Authors

  • Dr.Rania AMMAR ZAYANI

    university of Sfax faculty of medecine of Sfax

  • Dr.Amina Haddad

    University of Sfax, faculty of medecine of sfax

  • Dr. Fatma Kolsi

    university of Sfax, faculty of medecine of sfax

  • Dr. Mabrouk Bahloul

    university of Sfax, faculty of medecine of Sfax

  • Chokri Ben Hamida

    university of Sfax, faculty of medecine of Sfax
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.0000/k73qxs65
Keywords:
Streptococcus constellatus; Abscess; Brain; empyema
Abstract
A brain abscess or empyema is a severe neurological infection with a high mortality rate. Rarely, Streptococcus species other than S. pneumoniae were responsible for brain abscesses or empyema. A few case series were reported in the literature. We present three cases of severe empyema and abscess induced by S. constellatus in three immunocompetent individuals. A 12-year-old girl presented with febrile meningeal syndrome. The CT scan showed a brain abscess and empyema associated with hemispheric edema. She underwent surgery for empyema evacuation and frontal lobectomy with a decompressive flap bone. A 52-year-old man presented with right-hemisphere heaviness, headache, and fever. Cerebral MRI showed an abscess of the left semi-oval center with signs of ventriculitis. He underwent neurosurgical drainage. A 14-year-old child admitted with right frontal swelling and osteitis in the context of fever. Cerebral MRI showed a right hemispherical subdural collection and thrombophlebitis of the superior sagittal sinus. The evolution was good only for the two children. Although S constellatus can cause serious infections in patients with underlying diseases and immunosuppression, physicians need to consider S constellatus infection in immunocompetent patients in the context of empyema and abscess. Early neurologic drainage and antibiotics must be installed on time to have a good outcome.
Author Biographies
  1. Dr.Amina Haddad, University of Sfax, faculty of medecine of sfax

    1: Medical resuscitation department of Habib Bourguiba Teaching Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia

    3: University of Sfax, Tunisia

  2. Dr. Fatma Kolsi , university of Sfax, faculty of medecine of sfax

     

    2: Neurosurgery department of Habib Bourguiba Teaching Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia

    3: University of Sfax, Tunisia

     

  3. Dr. Mabrouk Bahloul, university of Sfax, faculty of medecine of Sfax

    1: Medical resuscitation department of Habib Bourguiba Teaching Hospital, Sfax Tunisia

    3: University of Sfax, Tunisia

  4. Chokri Ben Hamida, university of Sfax, faculty of medecine of Sfax

    1: Medical resuscitation department of Habib Bourguiba Teaching Hospital, Sfax Tunisia

    3: University of Sfax, Tunisia

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Published
30-09-2025
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 3 (2025): TJEM 2025: Vol.3 Issue 3
Section
Case Reports
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How to Cite

Suppurative infection of the central nervous system secondary to Streptococcus constellatus: about three cases. (2025). Tunisian Journal of Emergency Medicine, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.0000/k73qxs65