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Published on: February 29, 2020
[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.
Abstract:
A 35-year-old man developed meningitis for the first time at the age of 23. Thereafter, he repeatedly suffered from meningitis for six times before he was admitted to our clinic. Each meningitis was preceded by upper respiratory infection. Chronic infection in the head and neck, fracture of the skull base, liquorrhea, Mollaret meningitis, and acquired immunodeficiency were all ruled out. Nasal fiberscope examination revealed a palpating white tumor in the left olfactory cleavage. Coronal CT scanning demonstrated encephalomeningocele at the left ethmoidal cavity. The encephalomeningocele was surgically repaired and the patient has been free from further meningitis. The causal relationship between the encephalomeningocele and recurrent meningitis was discussed.
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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