S.G.A.D.Tharanga¹, EJP De Silva¹, S B N T L Wijeratna¹, M Farhan¹
1- DGH Ampara, Sri Lanka
Abstract Body
Introduction: Recurrent bacterial meningitis in children is uncommon and should prompt evaluation for underlying structural abnormalities or persistent infective foci. Spinal epidural abscess is a rare but serious complication that requires early diagnosis and coordinated multidisciplinary management.
Case Report: A 1-year-old boy , born to healthy non-consanguineous parents, was readmitted with recurrent fever and markedly elevated inflammatory markers 20 days after treatment for multidrug-resistant bacterial meningitis. His development was age appropriate, although growth parameters were below expected. He had a background history of colostomy for congenital imperforate anus. On examination, the child was febrile with neck stiffness suggestive of meningitis. Lumbar puncture yielded thick, cream-coloured purulent cerebrospinal fluid with marked neutrophilic predominance, consistent with severe bacterial meningitis. Following this finding, the child was transferred to LRH for further evaluation and neuroimaging. MRI of the whole spine with contrast demonstrated a biloculated posterior epidural rim-enhancing collection extending from L3 to L5, causing compression of the thecal sac, consistent with an epidural abscess. A dorsal dermal sinus tract at the S1 level was identified as a possible infective focus, with no evidence of spinal cord involvement. Following diagnosis, the child was commenced on Meropenem, Vancomycin, Metronidazole, and Colistin after microbiology consultation. Antibiotic therapy was continued for 21 days with clinical improvement. He was subsequently transferred to the NHSL for definitive neurosurgical management.
Discussion: This case emphasizes the need for early imaging and identification of underlying infective sources in recurrent meningitis to prevent delayed diagnosis and improve outcomes.