Mondini dysplasia as a cause for recurrent bacterial meningitis: an early diagnosis

Shobi Anandi1, Milind S Tullu, Sonal Bhatia

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College & King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India.

Insights

Mondini dysplasia, a rare inner ear malformation, can cause recurrent pyogenic meningitis in children. Early diagnosis is crucial, as demonstrated by this case of a boy with hearing loss and meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Recurrent pyogenic meningitis in children necessitates identifying underlying causes.
  • Mondini dysplasia is a congenital inner ear anomaly that can predispose to meningitis.
  • A high index of clinical suspicion is vital for early diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old boy experienced two episodes of pyogenic meningitis within one month.
  • Audiometry revealed profound mixed hearing loss in the left ear.
  • Imaging confirmed Mondini dysplasia of the left temporal bone.

Findings:

  • Mondini dysplasia was diagnosed as the cause of recurrent meningitis in this pediatric patient.
  • No cerebrospinal fluid leak was identified via computed tomographic cisternography.
  • Conservative management led to the child remaining asymptomatic.

Implications:

  • This case highlights Mondini dysplasia as a treatable cause of recurrent pediatric meningitis.
  • Early identification of inner ear malformations is essential for preventing recurrent meningitis.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management can improve outcomes for affected children.

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial 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...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral 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...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial 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...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain 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,...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...