[Cranial multineuritis and transverse myelitis as complications of pneumococcal meningitis]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neuroimmunology

Background:

• Pneumococcal meningitis, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, presents significant morbidity and mortality.
• Central nervous system infections rarely involve spinal cord complications.

Observation:

• A 41-year-old male developed thoracic transverse myelitis and cervical anterior horn cell alteration after Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis.
• The patient experienced lower extremity paralysis, sensory loss, dysautonomia, and upper extremity paralysis with preserved sensation.

Findings:

• The case highlights the need to differentiate 'poliomyelitis-like' disorder from acute disseminated encephalomyeloradiculitis.
• Anterior horn cell involvement in the spinal cord associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis is exceptionally rare, with no prior literature references found.
• Radiological and neurophysiological studies indicated a complete recovery of upper extremity function.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of rare neurological complications following pneumococcal meningitis.
• Early neurorehabilitation is crucial for managing severe neurological deficits and improving patient outcomes.
• Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and incidence of such rare neurological sequelae.