Pneumococcal Meningoencephalitis as Rare Complication of Ear infection in a 4-Month-old Girl: a Case Report

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial meningitis. It rarely causes more serious infections such as brain abscess, encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, or meningoencephalitis. We report a 4-month-old girl with a severe course of meningoencephalitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae as a complication of bilateral otitis media. She was treated with ceftriaxone, dexamethasone, multiple antiepileptic drugs, and neurosurgical drainage of subdural empyema. Gradual neurological improvement was observed. However, follow-up MRI revealed extensive cortical and subcortical damage with profound cerebral volume loss. This case illustrates that early recognition and timely appropriate treatment are crucial for a positive outcome.