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Published on: September 20, 2018
Meningococcal arthritis and myopericarditis: a case report
Lloyd Steele1, Katie Bechman2, Eoghan De Barra2
1Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK. lloyd.steele@imperial.nhs.uk.
Background:
We report the first adult case of Neisseria meningitidis W-135 presenting with meningococcal arthritis and myopericarditis concomitantly, without other classical features of meningococcal disease.
Case Presentation:
A 67-year-old Caucasian man presented with acute-onset polyarthralgia, myalgia, and fever. On examination he had polyarticular synovitis. An electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated ST-elevation in leads I, II, III, aVF, and V2-V6 without reciprocal depression, and a high-sensitivity troponin level was significantly elevated. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging on day five of admission demonstrated patchy pericardial enhancement. Neisseria meningitidis W-135 was isolated from both synovial fluid and blood cultures. The clinical outcome was favourable with intravenous ceftriaxone and myopericarditis treatment (colchicine and ibuprofen).
Conclusions:
We conclude that this is a rare case of disseminated Neisseria meningitidis W-135 presenting with acute polyarticular septic arthritis and myopericarditis, without other classical features of systemic meningococcal disease. The earlier described entity of primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) can present in patients with meningococcal bacteraemia, and may not be distinct from disseminated meningococcal disease, but rather an atypical presentation of this.
Insights
This case study details an adult with Neisseria meningitidis W-135 infection presenting atypically with both meningococcal arthritis and myopericarditis. Early treatment with ceftriaxone led to a favorable outcome.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Reports a rare adult case of Neisseria meningitidis W-135 infection.
- Highlights an atypical presentation without classical meningococcal disease symptoms.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male presented with acute polyarthralgia, myalgia, and fever.
- Clinical findings included polyarticular synovitis, ECG changes indicative of myopericarditis, and elevated troponin.
- Cardiac MRI revealed pericardial enhancement; Neisseria meningitidis W-135 was identified in synovial fluid and blood.
Findings:
- Successful treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone and supportive care for myopericarditis.
- Demonstrates Neisseria meningitidis W-135 as a cause of concurrent septic arthritis and myopericarditis.
Implications:
- Suggests primary meningococcal arthritis may be an atypical presentation of disseminated meningococcal disease.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering disseminated meningococcal disease in cases of unexplained arthritis and myopericarditis.
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