[An adult case of basal encephalomeningocele with recurrent meningitis]

K Kishikawa1, T Nagao, S Ibayashi

  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University.

Insights

Recurrent meningitis in a 35-year-old man was linked to an undetected encephalomeningocele. Surgical repair resolved the repeated meningitis episodes, highlighting a rare cause of infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Recurrent meningitis poses a diagnostic challenge, especially when common causes are excluded.
  • Identifying underlying anatomical abnormalities is crucial for managing refractory infections.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a history of seven meningitis episodes, each preceded by an upper respiratory infection.
  • Nasal endoscopy revealed a tumor in the olfactory cleft, and CT scans confirmed an ethmoidal encephalomeningocele.

Findings:

  • Surgical repair of the ethmoidal encephalomeningocele successfully prevented further meningitis recurrence.
  • The study establishes a causal link between this specific congenital abnormality and recurrent meningitis.

Implications:

  • Encephalomeningocele should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent meningitis, particularly with sinonasal symptoms.
  • Early detection and surgical intervention can lead to complete resolution of recurrent meningitis.

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