[Rhombencephalitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes].

The observation of an abscess in the brain stem and cerebellum due to Listeria monocytogenes is presented. The patient was a 55 year old diabetic, alcoholic, gastrectomized male in whom a febrile and meningeal syndrome developed. Three days later he had a progressive unilateral dysfunction of the cranial nerves. The cerebrospinal fluid showed pleocytosis of the polymorphonuclear cells, an increase in proteins and low glucose in relation with the glycemia. No parenchymatous lesion was observed upon emergency computerized tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a hyper-signal lesion in the brain stem and cerebellum with a contrast enhancement in ring. Following antibiotic treatment the clinical evolution of the patient was favorable with slight focal sequelae persistent at discharge. A review of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and treatment of this infection is carried out.