J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2012 Jun;51(6):380-382. 10.3340/jkns.2012.51.6.380.

Recurrent Bacterial Meningitis Accompanied by A Spinal Intramedullary Abscess

• Kim MS
• Ju CI
• Kim SW
• Lee HY

• KMID: 2190496
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2012.51.6.380

Abstract

Bacterial meningitis is rarely complicated by an intradural spinal abscess, and recurrent meningitis is an uncommon presentation of a spinal intramedullary abscess. Here, we report a 63-year-old patient with recurrent meningitis as the first manifestation of an underlying spinal intramedullary abscess. To the best of our knowledge, no previous report has been issued on recurrent meningitis accompanied by a spinal intramedullary abscess in an adult. In this article, the pathophysiological mechanism of this uncommon entity is discussed and the relevant literature reviewed.

Keyword

Spinal; Intramedullary abscess; Meningitis

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Adult
Humans
Meningitis
Meningitis, Bacterial
Middle Aged

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Sagittal and axial magnetic resonance images of the patient. Gadolinium enhanced sagittal and axial magnetic resonance images reveal homogeneously enhanced mass lesion at L1 level.

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  Fig. 2 Follow up magnetic resonance images of the patient. A and B : Gadolinium enhanced sagittal and axial magnetic resonance images done at the third week after re-admisson show extensive reduction of the mass lesion. C and D : Gadolinium enhanced sagittal and axial magnetic resonance images reveal complete resolution of mass lesion at sixth week after re-admission.

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