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Updated: Nov 19, 2025
Analysis of Cerebral Vasospasm in a Murine Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with High Frequency Transcranial Duplex Ultrasound
Published on: June 3, 2021
Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis and Intracranial Vasculopathy: Clinical Correlation with Improving Transcranial
Mohamad Imran Idris1, Sharon Mei Ling Tai1, Chong Tin Tan1
1Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pneumoniae are Gram-positive bacteria that are responsible for many types of illnesses including pneumonia, sinus infections, and community-acquired meningitis. One important complication of bacterial meningitis is intracranial vasculopathy. Possible etiologies include vasculitis, vasospasm, endocarditis, or intra-arterial thrombosis. We present a case report of S. pneumoniae meningitis treated with antibiotics in which clinical improvement correlated with serial transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) improvement, suggesting vasospasm or vasculitis as a possible mechanism for intracranial vasculopathy.
Insights
Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis can cause intracranial vasculopathy. Antibiotic treatment improved symptoms and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) findings, suggesting vasospasm or vasculitis as potential causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Intracranial vasculopathy is a serious complication of pneumococcal meningitis.
- Potential causes include vasculitis, vasospasm, endocarditis, and thrombosis.
Observation:
- A case of S. pneumoniae meningitis treated with antibiotics is reported.
- Clinical improvement was observed during treatment.
- Serial transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) showed concurrent improvement.
Findings:
- The patient's clinical status improved alongside TCD measurements.
- This correlation suggests a dynamic vascular process.
- Vasospasm or vasculitis are implicated as mechanisms for intracranial vasculopathy.
Implications:
- Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) may be a useful tool for monitoring meningitis-related vasculopathy.
- Understanding the mechanism of intracranial vasculopathy in meningitis can guide treatment strategies.
- Further research into the vascular complications of S. pneumoniae meningitis is warranted.
