Neisseria meningitidis Induced Fatal Waterhouse–Friderichsen Syndrome in a Patient Presenting With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Multiple Organ Failure

<i>Neisseria meningitidis</i>-induced acute systemic meningococcal disease is an emergency and a fatal condition that has a high mortality rate. In patients with a fulminant infection, a maculopapular petechial eruption, purpura fulminans, or an ecchymotic lesion are worrisome signs reflecting disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and hint at Waterhouse&#8722;Friderichsen syndrome (WFS). Here, we describe a rare case of a patient with a fulminant <i>Neisseria meningitidis-</i>induced acute systemic meningococcal disease presenting with high-grade fever without meningitis symptoms. Fatal septicemia with DIC and multiple organ failure was noted. WFS was chiefly suspected. We highlight the clinical features and pathogenesis of <i>Neisseria meningitidis</i>-induced meningococcemia and WFS. We propose that they should be kept in mind, especially in patients presenting with a petechial eruption and purpura fulminans.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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