CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Neurol Surg Rep 2017; 78(04): e123-e124
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1607280
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt-Associated Vancomycin-Resistant Meningitis Complicating a Patient Undergoing Plasmapheresis for Presumed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Associated Transverse Myelitis

Adam John Covach
1   Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
,
William Nicholas Rose
1   Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
› Institutsangaben
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Publikationsverlauf

05. Februar 2017

14. Juli 2017

Publikationsdatum:
03. November 2017 (online)

Abstract

Objectives We report a patient who had a working diagnosis of transverse myelitis secondary to a lupus exacerbation. As his clinical course evolved, continued vigilance clarified that he was in fact suffering from a nosocomial infection caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

Methods We performed a retrospective review of the patient's medical record.

Results Despite radiographic improvement, he did not improve clinically following immunosuppressive therapy including plasma exchange. Once meningitis was diagnosed and treated, he improved rapidly.

Conclusion The prospect of transverse myelitis may confound the diagnosis of VRE meningitis, a uniquely treated and potentially deadly infection.

 
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