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[Recurrent meningitis due to anatomical defects: The bacteria indicates its origin]
A Morgenstern Isaak1, A Bach Faig1, S Martínez2
1Unitat de Patologia Infecciosa i Immunodeficiències Pediàtriques, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Recurrent meningitis in children may indicate an underlying anatomical defect, even if initial imaging is normal. Identifying the specific bacteria can help pinpoint the defect, often requiring surgical intervention for resolution.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Recurrent meningitis is a rare condition often linked to anatomical abnormalities or immunodeficiency.
- This study focuses on four pediatric cases where immunodeficiency was ruled out, highlighting the role of anatomical defects.
Observation:
- Four children experienced recurrent bacterial meningitis.
- Initial imaging studies were normal, but subsequent investigations revealed specific anatomical defects after further meningitis episodes.
- Causal microorganisms aided in localizing the anatomical abnormalities.
Findings:
- Case 1: Mondini abnormality (unilateral hearing loss) linked to Haemophilus influenzae. Case 2: Cribriform plate defect linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Case 3: Occipital dermal sinus with dermoid cyst linked to Staphylococcus aureus. Case 4: Currarino syndrome with CSF fistula linked to various bacteria including Enterococcus faecium and Escherichia coli.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spinal MRI were crucial in diagnosing the defects.
- Surgical repair was the definitive treatment in most cases.
Implications:
- In recurrent meningitis, consider underlying anatomical defects even without immunodeficiency.
- The causative microorganism can guide the diagnosis of the specific anatomical defect.
- Surgical intervention is typically required for definitive management of recurrent meningitis due to anatomical causes.
Keywords:
Congenital anatomical defectCurrarino triadDefecto anatómico congénitoMalformación de MondiniMeningitis bacteriana recurrenteMondini abnormalityRecurrent bacterial meningitisSíndrome de CurrarinoMore Related Videos
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