Bihemispheric Cortical Infarcts in an Adult Secondary to Escherichia coli K1 Meningitis

Abstract

Cerebral ischemia is a known complication of meningitis. Most Escherichia coli meningitis-induced infarcts have been reported in the neonatal and pediatric population. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports describing bilateral cortical infarcts in an adult secondary to a K1 strain of E. coli meningitis, and herein we report a case in a 25-year-old female. The challenge in treating this patient was determining the duration of systemic antibiotic treatment and whether or not to use steroids. This study demonstrates the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment of E. coli meningitis to prevent neurological complications, including stroke.

Keywords

• meningitis
• vasculopathy
• infarction
• escherichia coli