Title : A rare case of arnold-chiari malformation evident after a streptococcal throat infection in a young female: A case report
Abstract:
Arnold-Chiari malformation is a rare neurological developmental disorder that presents at birth. No such cases have been reported in support of microbial infections causing Chiari malformation; yet there is evidence how microorganisms can lead to brain abscess, brain empyema, and meningoencephalitis. A 23-year-old young woman presented with progressive back and leg pain after a streptococcal throat infection, followed by a single episode of syncope. Radiographs of the spine revealed mild reversal of cervical spine curvature and minimal levocurvature of the lumbar spine. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed herniation of the cerebral tonsils into the foramen magnum, which suggested the diagnosis of Arnold Chiari malformation I. Neurosurgery was recommended for posterior fossa decompression, but the patient was reluctant to undergo the procedure. This is the first case of Arnold-Chiari malformation symptomology that became evident only after a streptococcal throat infection in a young female adult.
Audience Take Away
- This is a rare care of ACM post-streptococcal pharyngitis in which symptomatology was evident only after this infection
- Group A Streptococcus pyogenes may lead to rare but severe neurological conditions, including bran abscess, encephalitis and empyema
- The pathophysiology is not clear of ACM following a strep throat. However, future research may investigate why Streptococcus caused presentation of ACM and if other microbes can also be linked to this
