[Acute motor axonal neuropathy and aseptic meningitis due to Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis]

Central nervous system complications are commonly described in Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis but peripheral nervous system involvement is rare.

We report the case of a 65-year-old woman who had tetraparesia and aseptic meningitis revealing S. aureus endocarditis. The presence of purpura on the lower limbs led to an initial diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis. Tetraparesia was due to an acute motor axonal neuropathy. Anti-GM1 antibodies were negative. Meningitis and tetraparesia improved with antibiotic therapy.

Acute motor axonal neuropathy may be a presenting symptom of S. aureus endocarditis.