Brain Sciences, Vol. 10, Pages 171: Neisseria meningitidis Induced Fatal Waterhouse–Friderichsen Syndrome in a Patient Presenting With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Multiple Organ Failure

Brain Sciences, Vol. 10, Pages 171: Neisseria meningitidis Induced Fatal Waterhouse–Friderichsen Syndrome in a Patient Presenting With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Multiple Organ Failure:

Brain Sciences, Vol. 10, Pages 171: Neisseria meningitidis Induced Fatal Waterhouse–Friderichsen Syndrome in a Patient Presenting With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Multiple Organ Failure

Brain Sciences doi: 10.3390/brainsci10030171

Authors:
Meng-Yu Wu
Chien-Sheng Chen
Chih-Yi Tsay
Giou-Teng Yiang
Jian-Yu Ke
Po-Chen Lin


Neisseria meningitidis-induced acute systemic meningococcal disease is an emergency and a fatal condition that has a high mortality rate. In patients with a fulminant infection, a maculopapular petechial eruption, purpura fulminans, or an ecchymotic lesion are worrisome signs reflecting disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and hint at Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome (WFS). Here, we describe a rare case of a patient with a fulminant Neisseria meningitidis-induced acute systemic meningococcal disease presenting with high-grade fever without meningitis symptoms. Fatal septicemia with DIC and multiple organ failure was noted. WFS was chiefly suspected. We highlight the clinical features and pathogenesis of Neisseria meningitidis-induced meningococcemia and WFS. We propose that they should be kept in mind, especially in patients presenting with a petechial eruption and purpura fulminans.