Brucellar Aortitis and Meningoencephalitis in an Adolescent

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection with a wide range of clinical manifestations.
• Organ system involvement in brucellosis can lead to severe complications.
• Brucellar aortitis is an uncommon but serious manifestation, potentially occurring independently of endocarditis.

Observation:

• An adolescent male presented with simultaneous brucellar aortitis and meningitis.
• The patient exhibited symptoms indicative of both cardiovascular and central nervous system involvement.
• Diagnostic workup confirmed Brucella infection affecting the aorta and meninges.

Findings:

• Brucellar aortitis was diagnosed in the absence of endocarditis.
• Concurrent meningitis due to Brucella infection was identified.
• The patient received prolonged antibiotic therapy for the combined infections.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for rare, simultaneous organ involvement in brucellosis.
• Successful non-surgical management of brucellar aortitis and meningitis is demonstrated.
• Highlights the importance of considering brucellosis in patients with unexplained aortitis and meningitis, even without endocarditis.