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Listeria monocytogenes meningitis complicated by symptomatic spinal subarachnoid cysts
1Midland Centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology, Warley, UK.
Abstract:
We report the case of a man who developed signs of compression of the spinal cord in the dorsal region over a year after treatment of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis. He proved to have mild hydrocephalus and a number of subarachnoid pouches compressing the upper dorsal cord. Insertion of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt caused clinical improvement. We believe that this was caused by relief of tension in the spinal cysts rather than any reduction in ventricular size.
Insights
A patient experienced spinal cord compression after Listeria meningitis. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt improved symptoms by relieving pressure in spinal cysts, not by reducing ventricular size.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes meningitis can lead to long-term neurological complications.
- Post-meningitis complications may include cerebrospinal fluid circulation abnormalities.
Observation:
- A patient presented with dorsal spinal cord compression symptoms over a year after Listeria meningitis treatment.
- Imaging revealed mild hydrocephalus and multiple subarachnoid pouches compressing the upper dorsal spinal cord.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt led to significant clinical improvement.
- The improvement was attributed to the decompression of spinal cysts rather than a reduction in ventricular volume.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but treatable cause of delayed spinal cord compression post-meningitis.
- Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting can be an effective treatment for spinal cyst-related cord compression.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of post-infectious cerebrospinal fluid dynamics is crucial for managing such cases.