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Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated with Pasteurella multocida meningitis
Normand L Proulx1, Mark S Freedman, James W Chan
1Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
A rare case of Pasteurella multocida meningitis complicated by acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was observed. Persistent fever and encephalopathy in meningitis warrant neurological investigation for potential immune processes like ADEM.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can have serious neurological complications.
- Pasteurella multocida is a bacterium that can cause infections, including meningitis, particularly in individuals with exposure to animals.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old woman with Pasteurella multocida meningitis presented with persistent fever and worsening encephalopathy despite antibiotic treatment.
- Neurological investigations, including MRI, revealed findings consistent with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
Findings:
- The case highlights a potential association between Pasteurella multocida meningitis and the development of ADEM.
- ADEM, a rare immune-mediated neurological disorder, can occur as a post-infectious complication.
Implications:
- Persistent fever and encephalopathy in meningitis patients may signal a para-infectious immune response, such as ADEM.
- Early neurological investigation is crucial for diagnosing and managing such complex cases, potentially altering treatment strategies.