Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
11:32
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Spontaneous pneumocephalus caused by pneumococcal meningitis
Hyun Sook Kim1, Seok Won Kim, Sung Hoon Kim
1Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|July 5, 2013
Summary
Pneumocephalus, or intracranial air, is rarely caused by meningitis. This case highlights spontaneous pneumocephalus due to pneumococcal meningitis, successfully treated with antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Pneumocephalus, the presence of air within the cranial cavity, is predominantly associated with head trauma or neurosurgical interventions.
- Meningitis is an exceptionally rare etiology for pneumocephalus when head trauma or surgery is absent.
Observation:
- A rare case of spontaneous pneumocephalus was observed.
- The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of meningitis.
- Radiographic and computed tomography (CT) imaging of the skull indicated the presence of intracranial air.
Findings:
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed bacterial meningitis, specifically Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- The patient received antibiotic treatment for the meningitis.
- Imaging follow-up demonstrated complete resolution of the intracranial air after two weeks of treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores that meningitis, particularly pneumococcal meningitis, can be an unusual cause of spontaneous pneumocephalus.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing this rare condition.
- The findings emphasize the importance of considering infectious etiologies in cases of pneumocephalus without a clear traumatic or surgical history.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
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...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
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...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...