A complication of meningitis and infective endocarditis due to Streptococcus pyogenes

Kosuke Inoue1, Akiyoshi Hagiwara2, Akio Kimura2

  • 1Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.

BMJ Case Reports
|July 28, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of Streptococcus pyogenes causing both meningitis and infective endocarditis in an elderly woman. Increased vigilance for these severe S. pyogenes complications is crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) infections are increasing globally.
  • Meningitis and infective endocarditis (IE) are rare but severe complications of S. pyogenes.

Observation:

  • An 80-year-old female presented with unconsciousness, diagnosed with acute S. pyogenes meningitis.
  • Despite initial improvement, she developed severe mitral valve regurgitation with vegetation, indicating IE.
  • Echocardiography confirmed vegetation and severe mitral regurgitation.

Findings:

  • Successful treatment of S. pyogenes meningitis and IE was achieved with a 6-week course of ceftriaxone.
  • The patient recovered consciousness and was transferred for rehabilitation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering S. pyogenes as a cause of concurrent meningitis and IE.
  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for these rare complications, especially with rising S. pyogenes incidence.
  • Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive antibiotic treatment are essential for favorable outcomes.

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