The Austrian syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

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Published on: September 20, 2018

V Kanakadandi1, N Annapureddy, S K Agarwal

  • 1Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA. vijay.kanakadandi@gmail.com

Infection
|November 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights Austrian syndrome, a rare triad of meningitis, endocarditis, and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment, including valve replacement, are crucial for patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Austrian syndrome is a rare clinical presentation involving meningitis, endocarditis, and pneumonia.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen that can cause severe invasive infections.

Observation:

  • A 61-year-old male presented with fever and altered mental status, progressing to respiratory distress and multilobar pneumonia.
  • Despite initial antibiotic treatment for pneumonia, the patient's mental status declined, with lumbar puncture revealing meningitis and trans-esophageal echocardiogram showing endocarditis.

Findings:

  • Blood and respiratory cultures confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative agent.
  • The patient was diagnosed with Austrian syndrome, characterized by the triad of meningitis, endocarditis, and pneumonia.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering Austrian syndrome in patients with overlapping neurological, infectious, and cardiac symptoms.
  • Aggressive management, including tailored antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention (aortic valve replacement), is crucial for favorable outcomes in Austrian syndrome.

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