Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
[Postoperative and posttraumatic meningitis. Comments on 87 cases]
D Mihalache1, V Luca, C Scurtu
1Clinica de Boli Infecţioase, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr. T. Popa, Iaşi.
Abstract:
Iatrogenic and traumatic cerebromeningitis infections are increasing in frequency in the last two decades. Retrospective analysis of 87 patients iatrogenic and traumatic bacterial meningitis were admitted in the Clinic of Infectious Diseases from Iaşi between 1, 01, 1990-31, 12, 1994. Head trauma, lumbar punctures and iatrogenic meningitis infections were the causes cerebromeningitis infections. The diagnosis is usually difficult because of the poor specificity of the clinical signs. Predominant pathogens were gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus in iatrogenic meningitis and gram-positive bacteria (S. pneumoniae) in traumatic meningitis. The treatment was based on the use penicillin G + chloramphenicol, 3rd generation cephalosporins and sometimes 2nd generation quinolones. Ten of the 87 patients with iatrogenic and traumatic cerebromeningitis infections died (10.3%).
Insights
Iatrogenic and traumatic cerebromeningitis infections are rising. Bacterial meningitis, often caused by head trauma or medical procedures, presents diagnostic challenges and has a 10.3% mortality rate.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Bacteriology
Context:
- Iatrogenic and traumatic cerebromeningitis infections show an increasing frequency over the past two decades.
- A retrospective analysis reviewed 87 patients with these infections admitted between 1990 and 1994.
Purpose:
- To analyze the causes, pathogens, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of iatrogenic and traumatic cerebromeningitis.
- To understand the epidemiological trends and clinical characteristics of these serious infections.
Summary:
- Causes included head trauma, lumbar punctures, and iatrogenic procedures.
- Diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific clinical signs.
- Pathogens varied: gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus in iatrogenic cases, and gram-positive bacteria (S. pneumoniae) in traumatic cases.
- Treatments involved penicillin G, chloramphenicol, cephalosporins, and quinolones.
- The mortality rate was 10.3% (10 out of 87 patients).
Impact:
- Highlights the diagnostic difficulties and etiological agents associated with cerebromeningitis.
- Provides insights into treatment strategies and outcomes for these severe infections.
- Underscores the need for vigilance and improved management protocols for iatrogenic and traumatic central nervous system infections.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis
Viral Meningitis
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Brain Abscess l: Introduction

