Bilateral ganglionic haemorrhagic stroke complicating suspected meningococcaemia: A case report

Abstract

Haemorrhagic stroke in pyogenic meningitis is a rare complication accounting for about 2% of all complications1,2. It often results from disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is a complication of bacterial meningitis and portends a poor prognosis. A superimposed intracranial haemorrhage, although extremely rare, is associated with high mortality rate. We report a child who had haemorrhagic stroke during the acute phase of bacterial meningitis. The diagnosis was made during post mortem examination. It was
discovered that she had suffered haemorrhagic necrosis of both basal ganglion nuclei. Early imaging is advised in meningitis patient presenting with altered levels of consciousness to detect cerebrovascular complications.