Bacterial Meningitis Complicated by Venous Sinus Thrombosis: a Case of a Pregnant Woman

Abstract

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease resulting in high mortality and morbidity throughout the world. The causative pathogens of bacterial meningitis depend on the patient’s age and predisposing factors. A 23-year-old pregnant woman at 36 weeks of gestation 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 family physician. She had been prescribed oral amoxicillin-clavulanate and sent home. When she applied to the emergency unit, purulent drainage was obtained from her right ear. Magnetic Resonance Venogram showed filling defects affecting the jugular vein and right mastoid posterior sigmoid sinus. Gram-positive cocci and chains were seen in the direct examination of CSF. Results: This report shows that otitis media should be treated carefully and followed to prevent life-threatening complications during pregnancy. If optimal antibiotic therapy is not given in time for bacterial meningitis that develops during pregnancy, the disease can be fatal for the mother and child.