A case report of bilateral uveitis with meningococcal septicaemia resulting to blindness and adjustment disorder

Abstract

To report the rare case of a patient with bilateral uveitis with meningococcal septicaemia from Neisseria meningitides, resulting to blindness and adjustment disorder. A 9-years-old boy presented to the Emergency paediatric unit of a hospital with complaints of fever, and neck stiffness of one week duration. There was associated sudden decreased vision, pain and photophobia of both eyes. Neck was stiff and retracted with positive Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs. Neisseria meningitidis was isolated from both the turbid CSF and the blood. Visual Acuity (VA) was Perception of Light (PL) and Counting Finger (CF) in right and left eyes (RE and LE) respectively, with 360 degrees posterior synechiae and pupillary membrane. Diagnosis of meningococcal septicaemia with bilateral uveitis was made. Patient was treated with IV ceftriaxone, sub-conjunctival dexamethasone, dexamethasone, atropine and moxifloxacin eye drops and other supporting medications. Although he showed improvement of VA to RE-6/36, LE- 6/24, he absconded from follow- up and later relapsed with subsequent blindness (VA of Perception of Light in Both eyes) and symptoms of adjustment disorder. Although ocular involvement is rare in meningococcal septicaemia, patients should always have detailed ophthalmological examination as prompt diagnosis and management could improve the visual outcome.