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An unusual presentation of meningitis as a consequence of inadvertent dural puncture
A J Sansome1, G R Barnes, R F Barrett
1Department of Anaesthesia, Odstock Hospital, Salisbury, UK.
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|September 1, 1991
Abstract:
Bacterial meningitis and aseptic meningitis have been reported as a consequence of spinal anaesthesia. The case we report is of an unusual presentation of meningitis, for which no cause was found, in a patient who received epidural anaesthesia, complicated by dural puncture.
Insights
Meningitis can occur after spinal anesthesia. This case details an unusual meningitis presentation following epidural anesthesia with dural puncture, where no specific cause was identified.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meningitis, including bacterial and aseptic types, is a known complication following spinal anesthesia.
- Epidural anesthesia with dural puncture can potentially lead to central nervous system complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of meningitis following epidural anesthesia.
- To highlight a meningitis presentation where the causative agent remained unidentified.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of patient's medical history and anesthetic procedure.
- Clinical and laboratory evaluation for meningitis.
Main Results:
- The patient developed meningitis after epidural anesthesia complicated by dural puncture.
- Despite thorough investigation, no specific cause for the meningitis was identified.
Conclusions:
- Meningitis is a potential, albeit rare, complication of epidural anesthesia with dural puncture.
- Unexplained meningitis cases necessitate careful clinical evaluation and consideration of anesthetic history.
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