Bacterial Meningitis Complicated by VenousSinus Thrombosis: a Case of a PregnantWoman

Abstract

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease resulting in high mortality and morbiditythroughout the world. The causative pathogens of bacterial meningitis depend on thepatient’s age and predisposing factors. A 23-year-old pregnant woman at 36 weeks ofgestation was admitted to the emergency unit with confusion and fever. She was lethargic,uncooperative, disoriented, and had been diagnosed with acute otitis media by a familyphysician. She had been prescribed oral amoxicillin-clavulanate and sent home. When sheapplied to the emergency unit, purulent drainage was obtained from her right ear. MagneticResonance Venogram showed filling defects affecting the jugular vein and right mastoidposterior sigmoid sinus. Gram-positive cocci and chains were seen in the direct examinationof CSF.Results: This report shows that otitis media should be treated carefully and followed toprevent life-threatening complications during pregnancy. If optimal antibiotic therapy isnot given in time for bacterial meningitis that develops during pregnancy, the disease canbe fatal for the mother and child.