Neurobrucellosis: Report of a rare disease in 20 Iranian patients referred to a tertiary hospital

Abstract

We reviewed the clinical manifestations and outcome of 20 cases of neurobrocellosis out of 1375 patients with brucellosis admitted to the infectious diseases ward of a tertiary hospital in Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran. Of the 20 cases, 12 had meningitis (acute and subacute), 4 had meningoencephalitis, 2 had myelopathy, 1 had polyradiculopathy and 1 had meningovascular complications manifested by stroke. The most prevalent symptoms were headache (75%), vomiting and fever (50%) and unconsciousness (35%). Among 20 neurobrucellosis patients, 1 died and the other 19 recovered; 14 fully recovered and 5 patients had residual neurological deficits. In endemic areas, the disease should be ruled out in all patients who develop unexplained neurological symptoms.