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Neisseria meningitidis presenting as acute abdomen and recurrent reactive pericarditis

Karolina Akinosoglou1, Angelos Alexopoulos2, Nikolaos Koutsogiannis3

  • 1Medical School of Patras, University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Rio, Greece; Medical School of Patras, University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rio, Greece.

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
|September 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal meningitis can present with unusual symptoms like abdominal pain. This case highlights a rare Neisseria meningitidis serotype B infection complicated by reactive pericarditis, even after antibiotic treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection, typically presenting with fever, headache, and rash.
  • While classic symptoms are common, atypical presentations such as abdominal pain can occur.
  • Disseminated meningococcal disease can affect multiple organs and lead to immune-related complications.

Observation:

  • A rare case of Neisseria meningitidis serotype B meningitis presented initially as acute abdominal pain in a healthy adult female.
  • The patient developed recurrent reactive pericarditis despite receiving appropriate antibiotic therapy.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering meningitis in patients with unusual symptoms.

Findings:

  • Neisseria meningitidis serotype B can manifest with protean symptoms, including abdominal pain, mimicking other conditions.
  • Secondary immune-related complications like pericarditis may occur and can be refractory to antibiotics.
  • Early recognition of atypical meningococcal meningitis is crucial for timely and effective management.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for meningococcal meningitis in patients with unexplained abdominal pain or other non-classical symptoms.
  • The potential for antibiotic-unresponsive immune complications necessitates careful monitoring and management strategies.
  • This case contributes to the understanding of the diverse clinical spectrum of meningococcal disease and its management challenges.
Keywords:
Meningococcal meningitisNeisseria meningitidisReactive pericarditis

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