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[Meningitis after spinal anesthesia]
C Varlet1, P Gorce, B Ouaknine
1Département d'anesthésie-réanimation, CHU Jean Verdier, université Paris XIII, Bondy, France.
Abstract:
The occurrence of meningitis after spinal anaesthesia is a very rare event. We report a case of Streptococcus sanguis meningitis following spinal anaesthesia for orthopaedic material removal. The presence of Gram positive cocci (Streptococcus sanguis) in the cerebrospinal fluid was in favour of an exogenous contamination, originating either from the patient's skin or the anaesthesiologist's oropharynx. The outcome was uneventful. The responsibility of the latter can result in legal consequences. The scrupulous compliance with guidelines prevents this risk.
Insights
Meningitis after spinal anesthesia is rare. This case highlights Streptococcus sanguis meningitis from exogenous contamination, emphasizing strict adherence to guidelines to prevent this risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Spinal anesthesia is a common procedure for surgeries.
- Meningitis following spinal anesthesia is an exceptionally rare complication.
Observation:
- A patient developed Streptococcus sanguis meningitis after undergoing spinal anesthesia for orthopedic material removal.
- Gram-positive cocci (Streptococcus sanguis) were identified in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Findings:
- The identified pathogen suggests exogenous contamination, likely from the patient's skin or the anesthesiologist's oropharynx.
- The patient experienced an uneventful recovery from the meningitis.
Implications:
- Anesthesiologist oropharyngeal contamination poses a risk of infectious complications, potentially leading to legal issues.
- Strict adherence to established guidelines during spinal anesthesia is crucial for mitigating the risk of meningitis.