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The chronic and severe forms of eosinophilic meningitis
Abstract:
Two cases of chronic eosinophilic meningitis (presumed to be due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis) and a third patient with a severe form of this disease are described. Such cases are rare in the published literature. All patients developed their illness in Western Samoa, an area previously thought to be free of the disease. The need to consider eosinophilic meningitis in patients with chronic and severe neurological disease who live in, or have recently come from, endemic areas is emphasised.
Insights
Chronic eosinophilic meningitis, potentially caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is described in three rare cases from Western Samoa. This highlights the need to consider this parasitic infection in neurological cases from endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Chronic eosinophilic meningitis is a rare neurological condition.
- Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasitic nematode.
- Western Samoa was not previously considered an endemic area for this disease.
Observation:
- Three cases of chronic eosinophilic meningitis were observed.
- One patient presented with a severe form of the disease.
- All patients developed their illness in Western Samoa.
Findings:
- The cases were presumed to be caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis.
- The occurrence of these cases in Western Samoa is notable.
- Published literature on such cases is scarce.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider eosinophilic meningitis in patients with chronic, severe neurological disease.
- Awareness is needed for individuals living in or recently returned from endemic areas.
- This finding expands the known geographical distribution of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infections.