Autosplenectomy Causing Catastrophic Pneumococcal Meningitis in a Patient with Lupus/Antiphospholipid Antibody...

We present the case ofa26-year-old female who presented to the hospital with pneumococcal meningitis. A review of her records showed atrophic spleen, and a hypercoagulable workup was positive for Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE)/Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS). An autosplenectomy from thrombotic occlusion of the splenic artery made her susceptible to pneumococcal meningitis. Autoimmune conditions, particularly SLE and APS, are important causes of hypercoagulable states in a young population, and earlier detection of these conditions and appropriate treatment helps to decrease morbidity and mortality among these patients.