Related Experiment Videos

Pseudarthrosis presenting as a late complication of meningococcal septicaemia and disseminated intravascular

A E T Wenaden1, K McHugh, R A Hill

  • 1Department of Radiology, The Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, W12 OHS, London, UK. audreywenaden@yahoo.co.uk

Skeletal Radiology
|March 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal septicaemia can cause late skeletal issues in children. This case highlights a rare mid-ulna pseudarthrosis developing 18 months after the illness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Radiology

Background:

  • Late skeletal complications of meningococcal septicaemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation are recognized in children, typically affecting long bone growth plates.
  • These complications often manifest in the epimetaphyseal region, impacting bone development.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old boy experienced a severe episode of meningococcal septicaemia.
  • 18 months post-illness, he presented with pseudarthrosis (a form of bone non-union) in the mid-ulna.
  • Radiographs and MRI confirmed the ulna abnormality.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates a rare late skeletal complication of meningococcal septicaemia, specifically mid-ulna pseudarthrosis.
  • This contrasts with more commonly reported epimetaphyseal complications.
  • Imaging confirmed the diagnosis of pseudarthrosis.

Implications:

  • This case expands the spectrum of known skeletal sequelae of meningococcal disease in children.
  • It underscores the importance of considering unusual bone complications long after the acute infection.
  • Further investigation into the pathogenesis of such late skeletal complications may be warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...