Meningite recorrente de Mollaret: uma revisão / Mollaret's recurrent meningitis: an overview

A meningite recorrente linfocítica benigna ou meningite de Mollaret, inicialmente descrita pelo neurologista francês Pierre Mollaret em 1944, é uma condição relativamente rara, benigna mas incapacitante durante os seus períodos de agudização. Trata-se de quadro inflamatório meníngeo recorrente devido a reativação de infecção pelo herpes simples vírus, particularmente o herpesvirus do tipo 2 (HSV-2). Pode ser reconhecida a partir do seu quadro clínico de meningismo agudo, perfil liquórico linfocítico e identificação do genoma viral por PCR no líquor. Aciclovir e seus derivados podem ser utilizado no seu tratamento ou na sua profilaxia. Sua identificação é importante no sentido de se excluir outras causas de quadros meníngeos recorrentes.

Benign recurrent lymphocytic meningitis or Mollaret's meningitis (MM) was frst described by the French neurologist Pierre Mollaret in 1944. MM is a relatively rare, benign but disabling condition. MM is a recurrent meningeal inflammatory illness due to reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection, particularly herpesvirus type 2 (HSV-2). It can be recognized from its clinical picture of acute meningism, lymphocytic CSF profle and by the identifcation of the viral genome in the CSF by PCR. Acyclovir and its derivatives may be used for its treatment or prophylaxis. The identifcation of MM is important in order to exclude other causes of recurrent meningeal conditions.

Meningitis recurrente por Streptococcus pneumoniae en una niña con un implante coclear y traumatismo craneoencefálico a pesar de haber recibido la vacuna neumocócica conjugada de 13 serotipos / Recurrent meningitis by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a girl with cochlear implant and head trauma despite 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine

La meningitis bacteriana recurrente es un fenómeno muy poco frecuente en los niños. Las fracturas de la base del cráneo y los implantes cocleares son factores predisponentes importantes, y el agente aislado con mayor frecuencia es el Streptococcus pneumoniae. La implementación de la vacuna neumocócica conjugada de 13 serotipos (VNC13) redujo la incidencia de enfermedades neumocócicas invasivas. La incidencia de enfermedades neumocócicas intercurrentes en pacientes vacunados suele estar relacionada con afecciones predisponentes preexistentes. En este artículo, presentamos un caso de meningitis neumocócica recurrente en una paciente con un implante coclear que sufrió un traumatismo craneoencefálico luego de haber recibido la vacunación completa con la VNC13. La paciente tuvo tres episodios de meningitis en el transcurso de un año. Se detectó la presencia de S. pneumoniae en el cultivo de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) en el primer y tercer episodios, y mediante la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR, por su sigla en inglés) en el segundo episodio. Se realizó una intervención neuroquirúrgica luego del tercer episodio de meningitis, y la paciente no tuvo problemas de recurrencias durante los siguientes dos años. Hasta donde sabemos, en la bibliografía no se han descrito casos de meningitis de serotipo 1 por S. pneumoniae luego de la inmunización completa con PCV13.

Recurrent bacterial meningitis is a very rare phenomenon in children. Skull base fractures and cochlear implant are the important predisposing factors and, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequently isolated agent. Implementation of 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) has reduced the occurence of invasive pneumococcal diseases. Vaccination breakthrough is typically related to underlying predisposing conditions. Herein, we reported recurrent pneumococcal meningitis in a patient with a cochlear implant who experienced a head trauma after being fully vaccinated with PCV13. The patient experienced three meningitis episodes within one year. S.pneumoniae was determined on CSF culture in the first and third episodes and detected by PCR at the second episode. Neurosurgical intervention was performed after the third meningitis episode, and the patient had no recurrence problems for the following two years. To our knowledge, breakthrough S.pneumoniae serotype 1 meningitis after full PCV13 immunization has not been reported elsewhere in the literature.

Meningitis recurrente por Streptococcus pneumoniae en paciente con malformación congénita de oído derecho

La meningitis recurrente es una entidad rara que sugiere la presencia de una comunicación adquirida o congénita entre el liquido cefalorraquídeo y las áreas mucocutáneas adyacentes. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 11 meses con historia de meningitis recurrente (4 episodios) asociadas a hipoacusia neurosensorial y otorrea intermitente en la que se diagnóstico fístula del LCR en oído interno así como una malformación secular cócleo-vestibular compatible con displasia de Mondini. Ante cuadros recurrentes de meningitis bacteriana en la edad pediátrica y más aún, si padece hipoacusia neurosensorial como en nuestro caso, es necesario agotar todas las posibilidades diagnósticas de forma precoz y oportuna en busca de malformaciones. En especial las fístulas congénitas que frecuentemente se les asocian y que con una temprana intervención quirúrgica puede evitar futuros episodios.

Recurrent meningitis is a rare but severe entity which suggests the presence of an acquired or congenital communication between of cerebrospinal fluid and adjacent mucocutaneous sites. We present the case of an 11 month patient with history of recurrent meningitis ( 4 episodes), associated to neurosensorial hipoacusia and intermittent otorrhea in which a diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid fistula in the middle ear as well as a secular cochlea-vestibular malformation, compatible with Mondini dysplasia was made. In the presence of recurrent bacterial meningitis in the pediatric age, moreover if the patient suffers hearing impairment as in our case, it is necessary to exhaust all diagnostic possibilities early and timely in search of malformations, especially congenital fistulas, as they are associated and prompt surgical intervention may prevent futher episodes.

Clinical Characteristics in Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Meningitis in a Retrospective Single Center Study

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the second most common cause of viral meningitis and the most common cause of recurrent meningitis. Although the incidence of HSV-2 meningitis is high, its clinical characteristics are not well known. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical characteristics and prognosis of HSV-2 meningitis. METHODS: We analyzed patients who were admitted to the Department of Neurology at Severance Hospital with a final diagnosis of HSV-2 meningitis, as confirmed by applying the polymerase chain reaction to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients. RESULTS: The study involved 998 patients with aseptic meningitis and 60 patients diagnosed with HSV-2 meningitis. The mean age at meningitis presentation was 32.5 years (range 18-54 years), and 72% of the patients were female. Common clinical symptoms were headache (100%), nausea and/or vomiting (83%), meningismus (57%), and fever (55%). Six patients had a history of genital herpes infection, and 11 had a past history of recurrent meningitis. The CSF study was notable for elevated protein (111.0±53.5 mg/dL, mean±standard deviation) and white cell count (332.0±211.3 cells/µL). The CSF/serum glucose ratio was 0.52±0.90. Various treatments were applied, including conservative care, antiviral agents, empirical antibiotics, and combined treatments. All patients recovered without serious neurologic sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: HSV-2 meningitis is relatively common, as are recurrent episodes. The clinical characteristics of HSV-2 meningitis are similar to those of other types of aseptic meningitis. HSV-2 meningitis is treated using antiviral therapy, and the prognosis is favorable even with conservative treatment.

A Case of Recurrent Meningitis Caused by Rhodococcus species Successfully Treated with Antibiotic Treatment and Intrathecal Injection of Vancomycin through an Ommaya Reservoir / 감염과화학요법

Human infection by Rhodococcus species is rare and mostly limited to immunocompromised hosts such as patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or organ transplant recipients. The most common strain is R. equi, and the most common clinical presentation is pulmonary infection, reported in 80% of Rhodococcus spp. infections. The central nervous system is an uncommon infection site. We report a case of a patient with pneumonia, brain abscess, and recurrent meningitis caused by Rhodococcus spp. He initially presented with pneumonia with necrosis, which progressed to brain abscess and recurrent meningitis. Rhodococcus spp. was identified from the cerobrospinal fluid (CSF) collected during his fourth hospital admission. Despite prolonged treatment with appropriate antibiotics, meningitis recurred three times. Finally, in order to administer antibiotics directly into the CSF and bypass the blood-brain barrier, an Ommaya reservoir was inserted for administration of 90 days of intrathecal vancomycin and amikacin in conjunction with intravenous and oral antibiotics; the patient was finally cured with this treatment regimen.

Recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 Meningitis in an Adolescent Girl / 대한임상신경생리학회지

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) meningitis primarily develops during or following a primary genital HSV2 infection that was acquired from sexual contact or through the birth canal during delivery from mother. We describe a 15 year old virgin without history of previous herpes simplex infection who developed 2 episodes of HSV2 meningitis. Although recurrent meningitis due to HSV is primarily seen in young or sexually active adults. HSV2 meningitis should be in the differential diagnosis of recurrent meningitis in adolescent patients.

Meningitis recurrente en el adulto: un reto diagnóstico y terapeútico / Recurrent meningitis in the adult: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

La meningitis recurrente no es una entidad común pero tiene el potencial de generar secuelasimportantes a mediano y largo plazo. Su cuadro clínico depende del agente causal aunque en lamayoría de los pacientes se conserva al menos uno de los síntomas clásicos de la meningitisaguda (cefalea intensa, fiebre y rigidez de nuca). Debido a su variabilidad clínica se requieren unalto nivel de sospecha y usar bien las pruebas de laboratorio para llegar oportunamente aldiagnóstico. El presente artículo contiene una revisión de la literatura sobre la epidemiología, laetiología, el cuadro clínico, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de esta enfermedad.

Recurrent meningitis in the adult: a diagnostic and therapeutic challengeRecurrent meningitis is an uncommon condition with the capability of causing important midandlong-term sequelae. Its clinical presentation depends on the etiologic agent, although mostpatients exhibit at least one of the classical symptoms of acute meningitis (intense headache,fever and neck stiffness). Due to the clinical variability of the disease, a high level of suspicionand an adequate use of laboratory tests are required in order to establish a timely diagnosis. Thisarticle contains a literature review regarding epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation,diagnosis and management of recurrent meningitis.

Recurrent Streptococcus Pneumoniae Meningoencephalitis in a Patient With a Transethmoidal eningoencephalocele

We report a case of recurrent Streptococcus Pneumoniae meningoencephalitis with a transethmoidal meningoencephalocele (TEME) but without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. A 35-year-old man was admitted with S. pneumoniae meningitis. He had suffered from four episodes of recurrent pneumococcal meningitis during the previous 4 years. A computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinus showed the TEME protruding through a bony defect of the right frontal base. However, the patient did not have symptoms that could be attributable to CSF leakage, and radioisotope cisternography did not identify a leak. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed cortical lesions overlying the TEME, and electroencephalography revealed epileptiform discharges in frontal regions. Appropriate antibiotics therapy without steroids was given to improve his condition. The presented case suggests that even in the absence of clinically demonstrable CSF leakage, an occult skullbase defect and its associated meningoencephalocele should be considered in patients with recurrent bacterial meningitis.

An Intramedullary Neurenteric Cyst in the Conus Medullaris with Recurrent Meningitis

Neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions of the spine that are lined with endodermal epithelium. Their most common location is the cervico-dorsal region, and the mass usually lies ventral to the spinal cord. However the conus medullaris area location is an uncommon location. Neurenteric cysts are best treated by decompression and as near total excision of cyst membrane as possible. We report a case of a 7 year-old-girl with a neurenteric cyst in the conus medullaris. The patient had a history of meningitis and a gait disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary mass lesion in the conus medullaris with syringomyelia. There was no associated bone or soft-tissue anomaly. The mass was subtotally removed through a posterior approach. However 4 months later, meningeal irritation signs developed and MRI showed recurrence of the cyst. At the second operation, the cystic membrane was totally removed and the patient's neurological symptoms improved postoperatively. We reports a case of recurred neurenteric cyst occurred in unusual location with the review of literature.

A Case of Recurrent Bacterial Meningitis Associated with Lumbosacral Dermal Sinus during Early Infancy / 대한소아신경학회지

Acute bacterial meningitis is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening infection and recurrent episodes of bacterial meningitis are rarely seen. But when they occur, an exhaustive search for the mechanisms underlying the recurrent episodes must be pursued, especially some possible routes of migration of bacteria to the cerebrospinal fluid. Dermal sinus tracts are common skin manifestations seen with spinal dysraphism and may be associated with recurrent meningitis. Here, we present a case of a 2-month-old girl who had a small dimple on the lower lumbosacral area. She was attacked twice by purulent bacterial meningitis due to a dermal sinus tract and a tethered cord. She was treated with the excision of the tract, the removal of the dermoid and the detethering of the cord. Staphylococcus and Klebsiella were cultured separately and assumed to be causative agents. The lesion was suspected on the physical examination and demonstrated by lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging.

Meningocele with Cervical Dermoid Sinus Tract Presenting with Congenital Mirror Movement and Recurrent Meningitis

Dermoid sinuses and meningoceles are seldom encountered in the cervical region. Besides, to the best of our knowledge, the coexistence of these types of congenital abnormalities with recurrent meningitis, as well as with mirror movement, has never been reported before. A 14-year-old female with the diagnosis of recurrent meningitis was referred to our clinic from the Department of Infectious Diseases. She had a cervical meningocele mass that was leaking cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) and an associated mirror movement symptom. Spina bifida, dermoid sinus and meningocele lesions were demonstrated at the C2 level on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). She underwent an operation to remove the sinus tract together with the sac, and at the same time the tethered cord between the sac base and the distal end of the spinal cord was detached. The diagnosis of dermoid sinus and meningocele was confirmed histopathologically. These kinds of congenital pathologies in the cervical region may also predispose the patient to other diseases or symptoms. Herein, a case of meningocele associated with cervical dermoid sinus tract which presented with recurrent meningitis and a rare manifestation of mirror movement is discussed. Neurosurgeons should consider the possible coexistence of mirror movement and recurrent meningitis in the treatment of these types of congenital abnormalities.

Diagnosis of Congenital Otogenic CSF Fistula Combined with Recurrent Meningitis in Children / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Otogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)fistula referrs to the abnormal communication between the CSF and the middle ear space due to defects in the inner ear, and is one of the causes of recurrent meningitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report on five children with congenital otogenic CSF fistula, presented by recurrent meningitis and confirmed by surgical exploration. We also propose diagnostic steps for detecting otogenic fistula in the children based on our experiences and paper review. RESULTS: We used the metrizamide CT in the diagnostic procedure for most cases, although not all. The temporal bone CT was an useful initial diagnostic step for clinically suspicious cases. CONCLUSION: No one test or combination of specific tests were found to accurately predict the presence or absence of CSF fistula. It is thought that the only way to diagnose the CSF fistula is by surgical exploration. If the CSF fistula was suspected, aggressive diagnostic evaluation was needed in order to prevent recurrence.

A Case of Congenital Lumbosacral Dermal Sinus Associated with Recurrent Meningitis(Case Report)

Recurrent episode of meningitis in infants and children frequently constitute a frustrating and distressing, both in determination of course and treatment. The authors are reporting a infected case of congenital dermal sinus with dermoid cyst in the subarachnoid space of cauda equina and conus medullaris which was cured after complete removal of cyst and sinus tract.

Congenital Cranial Dermal Sinus: Case Report

Congenital cranial dermal sinus is one of the causes of meningitis in pediatric patients. In spite of its rarity, this entity should be considered when a child has meningitis of unexplained origin. Authors report a case of congenital cranial dermal sinus in a 15 month old girl who presented with recurrent meningitis.