Meningococcal Encephalitis associated with cerebellar tonsillar herniation and acute cervicomedullary injury

Abstract

A 13-year-old girl presented with a progressive ascending paralysis, bulbar dysfunction and finally respiratory arrest. Magnetic resonance (MR) showed acute cervicomedullary injury and hindbrain herniation.

An emergency foramen magnum decompression and external ventricular drainage insertion were performed, and meningococcal infection was diagnosed. The patient recovered completely. Meningococcal encephalitis may have an atypical presentation, and a surgery can optimise the outcome.

Keywords::

• cervicomedullary junction injury
• Group B meningococcus
• hindbrain herniation
• meningoencephalitis

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.