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Acute severe spinal cord dysfunction in a child with meningitis: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Celine Manteau1, Jean Michel Liet, Jocelyne Caillon

  • 1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Mothers' and Children's Hospital, Nantes Teaching Hospital, Nantes, France.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 11, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

An 11-year-old experienced sudden tetraplegia due to pneumococcal meningitis. Prompt treatment with ceftriaxone, erythromycin, and dexamethasone led to complete neurological recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pneumococcal meningitis can lead to severe neurological complications.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfection is a potential, though less common, factor in pediatric meningitis.

Observation:

  • An 11-year-old presented with abrupt onset tetraplegia during pneumococcal meningitis.
  • Brainstem-spinal cord junction showed hyperintensities on MRI.
  • Serological tests confirmed Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Findings:

  • The patient received ceftriaxone for pneumococcal meningitis and erythromycin and dexamethasone for suspected Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfection.
  • Neurological function fully recovered within 10 days.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering and treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfection in meningitis.
  • Aggressive management including antibiotics and corticosteroids can reverse severe neurological deficits in pediatric meningitis.

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