Successfully treated myopericarditis and acute heart failure due to severe Neisseria meningitidis infection: a case report

Abstract

Neisseria meningitidis is a known cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis. It is rarely associated with serious cardiac manifestations. A 39-year-old woman diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis/septicemia developed myopericarditis leading to severe acute heart failure. Diagnosis was established by clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic findings and was later confirmed by cardiac MRI. Management included antibiotics, vasopressors and early intubation. Her course was further complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation and unilateral hearing loss. Cardiac dysfunction resolved completely within 6 days. In conclusion, cardiac involvement is a possible contributor to shock in patients with meningococcal sepsis and should be promptly recognized and managed. Early intubation is a potential adjunct to medical treatment.