Fulminating meningococcal septicaemia; report of a case showing organisms in a direct blood smear; recovery
Isaacson, I.
Clinical Proceedings 6(2): 71-79
1947
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-7782 PMID: 20242704 Document Number: 12735
A case of fulminating meningococcal septicaemia with recovery is reported. Organisms were found in a direct blood smear. It is suggested that the Wsterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is but the terminal phase of a fulminating meningococcal septicaemia and that adrenal haemorrhage is but an incidental finding. In the presence of pyrexia and purpura despite the absence of leucocytosis, the meningococcus should be suspected and examination of smears from the purpuric eruption and blood as well as an examination of the cerebrospinal fluid should be done immediately. In the presence of an epidemic of meningitis, even should the above investigations prove negative, therapy should be instituted immediately. A combination of sulphadiazine and penicillin appears to be the ideal form of treatment.
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