Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
High-throughput Fluorometric Measurement of Potential Soil Extracellular Enzyme Activities
Published on: November 15, 2013
[Not Available]
S Friese1, M Gleichmann2, I Mader1
1Abteilung für Neuroradiologie der Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany.
Abstract:
In spite of modern antibiotic treatment, bacterial meningitis still has a dubious prognosis. Secondary complications are responsible for death or permanent neurologic deficits. The indication for imaging is 2-fold. Beside the search for a source of infection, an early detection of secondary complications is attempted.We report about a patient with hematogenous pneumococcal meningitis, who developed a subdural empyema and vascular stenoses of the basal cerebral arteries. These changes as well as the resulting infarctions were detected with MRI in an early state. Thus, an adequate therapy could be initiated. Especially FLAIR images, diffusion-weighted sequences and a time of flight MRA proved to be valuable in this setting.
Insights
Early MRI detection of complications like subdural empyema and vascular stenosis in pneumococcal meningitis is crucial. This allows for timely treatment, improving outcomes for patients with bacterial meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Bacterial meningitis, particularly pneumococcal meningitis, carries a significant risk of secondary complications.
- These complications often lead to poor prognosis, including death or permanent neurological deficits.
- Imaging plays a vital role in identifying infection sources and detecting early complications.
Purpose:
- To highlight the utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the early detection of secondary complications in a patient with hematogenous pneumococcal meningitis.
- To demonstrate the effectiveness of specific MRI sequences in identifying subdural empyema and vascular stenoses.
Summary:
- A case of hematogenous pneumococcal meningitis is presented, complicated by subdural empyema and basal cerebral artery stenosis.
- MRI, utilizing FLAIR images, diffusion-weighted sequences, and time-of-flight MRA, successfully detected these complications and resulting infarctions early.
- Prompt diagnosis enabled the initiation of adequate therapeutic interventions.
Impact:
- Early and accurate detection of complications using advanced MRI techniques can significantly alter patient management.
- This case underscores the importance of MRI in managing complex bacterial meningitis cases.
- Improved diagnostic capabilities can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced neurological sequelae.
