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Meningococcemia Presenting as a Myocardial Infarction

Daniel Lachant1, David Trawick1

  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624, USA.

Case Reports in Critical Care
|December 8, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis can cause severe heart problems, including myocarditis and cardiogenic shock, even in adults. Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial for improving outcomes in meningococcemia.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative bacterium colonizing the nasopharynx, primarily affecting infants and adolescents.
  • Meningococcemia, a severe form of infection, is associated with high mortality, often due to myocarditis.
  • Early diagnosis and antibiotic intervention are critical for reducing morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of meningococcemia presenting as ST elevation myocardial infarction in an adult.
  • To highlight the association between Neisseria meningitidis infection and myocardial dysfunction.
  • To emphasize the importance of early recognition and prompt antibiotic therapy for meningococcemia.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 55-year-old male with chest pain and ECG changes.
  • Clinical presentation included cardiogenic shock and multisystem organ failure.
  • Diagnosis confirmed as Neisseria meningitidis infection.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with symptoms mimicking ST elevation myocardial infarction.
  • Neisseria meningitidis infection led to severe cardiac dysfunction and organ failure.
  • Successful treatment involved prompt antibiotic administration.

Conclusions:

  • Meningococcemia can present atypically in adults, mimicking acute cardiac events.
  • Myocardial involvement is a significant complication of Neisseria meningitidis infection.
  • Early diagnosis and aggressive management, including antibiotics, are vital for survival.

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