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Retroperitoneal infection complicated by bacterial meningitis and ventriculitis with secondary brainstem infarction

Joshua Z Willey1, Shyam Prabhakaran, Robert DelaPaz

  • 1Department of Neurology, Columbia University, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. jwilley@neuro.columbia.edu

Neurocritical Care
|June 19, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Retroperitoneal abscesses can lead to meningitis, which may cause brain infarction. This case highlights brainstem infarction secondary to basilar meningitis in a patient with a retroperitoneal abscess.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Retroperitoneal abscesses are a known cause of infectious meningitis.
  • Basilar meningitis can lead to cerebral infarction.

Observation:

  • A comatose patient with a known retroperitoneal abscess was evaluated.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was utilized for diagnosis.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with extensive brainstem infarction.
  • The infarction was secondary to basilar meningitis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential neurological complications of retroperitoneal abscesses.
  • Early recognition and management of meningitis secondary to abscesses are crucial to prevent severe neurological deficits like infarction.

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