Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
07:26
Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
Published on: July 1, 2018
Infected spinal dermal sinus tract with meningitis: a case report
Yi-Min Wang1, Ming-Jung Chuang, Min-Hsiung Cheng
1Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. yimin932001@yahoo.com
Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
|October 20, 2011
Summary
Congenital dermal sinus tracts (DST) are rare midline spinal defects. Early surgical intervention is crucial for children presenting with meningitis or related symptoms to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- Congenital dermal sinus tracts (DST) are uncommon midline defects of the neuraxis, presenting from the nasion to the sacral region.
- Diagnosis in infants and children often involves skin manifestations, neurological deficits, or infections like meningitis and abscesses.
- Spinal DST cases are infrequently reported in Taiwan, highlighting a gap in regional literature.
Observation:
- This paper details a case of a 6-year-old girl with a congenital dermal sinus tract.
- The patient exhibited a midline lumbar skin dimple, hypertrichosis, and a history of bacterial meningitis.
- The DST extended to the subarachnoid space between the L2-3 vertebrae.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the congenital dermal sinus tract was successfully performed.
- The surgical intervention addressed the local infection associated with the DST.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the tract's connection to the subarachnoid space.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of a comprehensive examination of the midline craniospinal axis in pediatric patients with meningitis or a history thereof.
- Early identification and surgical management of spinal DST can prevent severe neurological complications.
- Increased awareness and reporting of spinal DST cases in Taiwan are needed to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial 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...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:26Brain 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,...
01:24Bacterial 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...
01:26Bacterial 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...
01:27Cryptococcal 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,...