Recurrent Bacterial Meningitis Perpetuated by an Infected Rathke's Cleft Cyst

Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2015 Oct;83(10):e14-6. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-108098. Epub 2015 Nov 23.

Abstract

A 52-year-old woman with a 6-month history of prednisolone treatment for suspected diagnosis of myositis presented 3 months after withdrawal of steroids with headache, nuchal rigidity, fever, nausea, and vomiting. While routine blood work was unremarkable, CSF analysis was consistent with bacterial meningitis. MRI confirmed a non-enhancing pituitary cystic lesion that had been incidentally diagnosed 6 years earlier as a suspected Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC). Under the suspected diagnosis of RCC empyema, the patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Neuropathological examination revealed purulent material containing gram-positive cocci within a RCC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System Cysts / complications*
  • Central Nervous System Cysts / surgery*
  • Female
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / complications*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myositis / drug therapy
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisolone