Meningococcal Supraglottitis: A Rare Case Report
Author Information
Author(s): Eric Schwam, Jeffrey Cox
Primary Institution: Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA; Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Hypothesis
Is meningococcal supraglottitis an emerging clinical syndrome?
Conclusion
The patient recovered completely after emergency intubation and appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Blood cultures were positive for Neisseria meningitidis.
- The patient had dramatic external cervical swelling due to cellulitis.
- Five other cases of meningococcal supraglottitis were summarized.
- All patients recovered with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
- Two patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the others were otherwise healthy.
Takeaway
This study talks about a rare throat infection caused by a germ called Neisseria meningitidis, which can make people very sick but can be treated with medicine.
Methodology
Case report and review of five other cases of meningococcal supraglottitis.
Limitations
No upper airway cultures were performed, and the sample size is small.
Participant Demographics
The patient was a 44-year-old woman; other cases included patients aged 44 to 95, with a mix of genders.
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