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Meningococcal septicaemia presenting as erythema multiforme
1St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, Hants.
The British Journal of Clinical Practice
|November 1, 1990
Summary
A woman with recurrent rash and fever was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment led to complete symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis can present with diverse and sometimes subtle symptoms.
- Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old woman presented with a three-week history of recurrent rash, joint pain, headache, and shivering.
- Initial symptoms included fever and a generalized maculopapular rash with target lesions.
- Corticosteroid treatment did not alleviate symptoms.
Findings:
- Lumbar puncture revealed turbid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicative of bacterial meningitis.
- Blood and CSF cultures confirmed Neisseria meningitidis infection.
- The patient experienced recurrent rash and fever every 48 hours.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering meningitis even with atypical presentations.
- Timely CSF analysis and microbial cultures are crucial for identifying the causative agent.
- Successful treatment of Neisseria meningitidis meningitis led to full recovery.