An unusual case of Escherichia coli meningitis and bacteremia in an elderly woman presenting with intractable low back pain

Authors

Andrea M. Lauffer, St. Mary's Medical Center, Huntington, WVFollow
Mahmoud Shorman, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WVFollow
Carl McComas, St. Mary's Medical Center, Huntington, WVFollow

Author Credentials

Andrea M. Lauffer, MD, Mahmoud Shorman, MD, Carl McComas, MD

Keywords

bacteremia, meningitis, geriatric, E. Coli, clinical, cerebrospinal, cultures, delirium

Disciplines

Bacteria | Geriatrics | Infectious Disease | Internal Medicine | Nervous System Diseases | Neurology | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction:

We report an unusual case of E. coli meningitis in an elderly woman who presented to the emergency room with a chief complaint of intractable low back pain.

Case Description:

A 67 year old woman presented to the emergency room for a chief complaint of intractable low back pain. After admission, the patient developed delirium. Blood cultures were drawn. Patient underwent a lumbar puncture which revealed purulent cerebrospinal fluid. Results of the cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures revealed pan-sensitive E. coli.

Conclusion:

In the geriatric population, delayed presentation of meningitis can occur for various reasons. With the older adult population, existing co-morbidities and decline in immunologic function can mask symptoms. Clinicians caring for the elderly population need to have a high index of suspicion in the setting of subtle symptoms when it comes to diagnosing acute bacterial meningitis.

Key Words: bacteremia, meningitis, geriatric, E. Coli, clinical, cerebrospinal, cultures, delirium

Recommended Citation

Lauffer AM, Shorman M, McComas C. An unusual case of Escherichia coli meningitis and bacteremia in an elderly woman presenting with intractable low back pain. Marshall J Med. 2016; 2(4): 51 DOI: