Chang Chin-Jung, Huang Li-Tung, Lui Chun-Chung, Huang Song-Chei
Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
Chang Gung Med J. 2002 Apr;25(4):266-70.
Meningitis is rarely seen following oral injury. We describe a 3-year-old boy developing meningitis and brain abscess following a penetrating oral wooden stick injury. There was no cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea noted. A cerebrospinal fluid culture yielded viridans streptococcus. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed a multiloculated ring-enhancing mass. This patient underwent surgical drainage and completed 8-week antibiotic therapy. The patient demonstrated a late and dismal complication of a penetrating oral injury. At 2-year follow-up the patient was in good condition. A penetrating oral wooden stick inury should be regarded as potentially serious.