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Successfully treated myopericarditis and acute heart failure due to severe Neisseria meningitidis infection: a case
Nikolaos Nektarios Karamanolis1, Christos G Nikolaidis1, Ioannis Gavgiotakis1
12nd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokratio General Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece.
Abstract:
Neisseria meningitidis is a known cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis. It is rarely associated with serious cardiac manifestations. A 39-year-old woman diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis/septicemia developed myopericarditis leading to severe acute heart failure. Diagnosis was established by clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic findings and was later confirmed by cardiac MRI. Management included antibiotics, vasopressors and early intubation. Her course was further complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation and unilateral hearing loss. Cardiac dysfunction resolved completely within 6 days. In conclusion, cardiac involvement is a possible contributor to shock in patients with meningococcal sepsis and should be promptly recognized and managed. Early intubation is a potential adjunct to medical treatment.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis sepsis can cause severe heart problems like myopericarditis and heart failure. Prompt recognition and management of cardiac dysfunction are crucial for patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
- Cardiac manifestations are rare complications of meningococcal disease.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old woman with meningococcal meningitis/septicemia developed myopericarditis, leading to acute heart failure.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and cardiac MRI findings.
Findings:
- The patient's cardiac dysfunction resolved within 6 days with management including antibiotics, vasopressors, and early intubation.
- Complications included disseminated intravascular coagulation and unilateral hearing loss.
Implications:
- Cardiac involvement is a potential cause of shock in meningococcal sepsis.
- Early recognition and management of cardiac dysfunction, potentially with early intubation, are vital.
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