Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
07:47

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage

Published on: February 15, 2013

16.2K

Cerebral Vasculitis Complicating Pneumococcal Meningitis

Ahmed Khedher1, Nesrine Sma1, Dorsaf Slama2

  • 1Medical Intensive Care Unit, Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia.

European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|February 14, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cerebral vasculitis, a rare complication of bacterial meningitis, can cause ischemic brain damage. Prompt treatment with high-dose steroids may lead to recovery, as seen in this pneumococcal meningitis case.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cerebral vasculitis is a rare but severe complication of community-acquired bacterial meningitis.
  • Pneumococcal meningitis can lead to parainfectious cerebral vasculitis, resulting in ischemic brain damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of pneumococcal meningitis complicated by cerebral vasculitis.
  • To highlight potential contributing factors and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 64-year-old woman with pneumococcal meningitis.
  • Diagnosis confirmed by cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Treatment involved delayed addition of high-dose corticosteroids.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed parainfectious vasculitis causing ischemic brain damage.
  • Clinical and radiological recovery was achieved after corticosteroid administration.
  • Potential contributing factors identified: antibiotic underdosing and delayed dexamethasone.

Conclusions:

  • Cerebral vasculitis is a cause of neurological deficits in pneumococcal meningitis.
  • High-dose steroids can effectively treat this complication.
  • Repeat lumbar puncture is advised for patients with deteriorating neurological status despite adequate antibiotics.
Keywords:
Cerebral vasculitispneumococcal meningitissteroidsstroke

More Related Videos

Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay09:20

Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay

Published on: April 28, 2014

13.1K
A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain12:31

A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain

Published on: November 14, 2012

50.0K

Related Concept Videos

Cranial and Spinal Meninges01:19

Cranial and Spinal Meninges

The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
4.0K
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
790
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
851
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.3K
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
3.3K
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
725