Streptococcus Pneumoniae Meningo-Encephalitis after Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery: a Case Report

Abstract

Although meningismus or meningitis are known to occur after pituitary surgery; meningoencephalitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae following a trans-sphenoidal approach has not been previously reported. A 56-year-old man presented with blurred vision. Two days after uneventful surgery, the patient became hyperpyrexic which progressed to confusion and lethargy within 48 hours. Spinal fluid cultures revealed Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient was treated appropriately and made an uneventful recovery. MR images showed persistent changes within both frontal lobes. This case further suggests that peri-operative antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis may not save the patient from serious surgical infections.

Key Words:

• Meningoencephalitis
• streptoccocus pneumoniae
• trans-sphenoidal surgery.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

B. Bakar

B. Bakar, M.D. Department of Neurosurgery Kirikkale University Faculty of Medicine kirikkale, Turkey 06510 Ankara, Turkey Tel.: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]