Acute severe spinal cord dysfunction in a child with meningitis: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infection

Acta Paediatr. 2005 Sep;94(9):1339-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2005.tb02099.x.

Abstract

Tetraplegia developed abruptly in an 11-y-old with pneumococcal meningitis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple hyperintensities at the brainstem-spinal cord junction. Serological tests were positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae (microparticle agglutination and specific IgMs). Erythromycin and dexamethasone were started promptly, and 10 d later the patient was discharged with normal neurological function.

Conclusion: Tetraplegia during the course of pneumococcal meningitis in an 11-y-old girl disappeared after treatment with ceftriaxone, erythromycin and dexamethasone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain / pathology
  • Child
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Erythromycin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fever / diagnosis
  • Fever / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / physiopathology
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae / isolation & purification
  • Pneumococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Pneumococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / microbiology*
  • Spinal Cord / physiopathology*
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / isolation & purification
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Erythromycin
  • Dexamethasone