Meningitis and endocarditis as a sequela of streptococcus pneumonia mastoiditis: A case report

Austrian Syndrome classically consists of meningitis, endocarditis, and pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumonia bacteremia. A literature review, however, does not show variants of this triad. Our case highlights a unique variant of Austrian Syndrome with mastoiditis, meningitis, and endocarditis which requires immediate recognition and treatment to prevent devastating patient outcomes.

Streptococcus pneumonia is responsible for more than 50% of all bacterial meningitis and has a case fatality rate of 22% in adults. In addition, Streptococcus pneumonia is also one of the most common causes of acute otitis media, a known cause of mastoiditis. However, in conjunction with bacteremia and endocarditis, limited evidence is able to be identified. This sequence of infections also closely relates to Austrian syndrome. Otherwise known as Osler's triad, Austrian syndrome is a rare phenomenon of meningitis, endocarditis, and pneumonia secondary to Streptococcus pneumonia bacteremia that was first delineated by Robert Austrian in 1956. The incidence of Austrian syndrome is reported to be less than <0.0001% per year and has decreased significantly since the initial usage of penicillin in 1941. Despite this, the mortality rate of Austrian syndrome is still around 32%. Despite an extensive literature review, we were unable to find any reported cases of variants of Austrian syndrome that include mastoiditis as the primary insult. As such, we present a unique presentation of Austrian syndrome with mastoiditis, endocarditis, and meningitis with complex medical management that led to resolution for the patient. To discuss the presentation, progression, and complex medical management of a previously undiscussed triad of mastoiditis, meningitis, and endocarditis occurring in a patient.