Meningococcemia without Meningitis Complicated by Purpura Fulminans and Hearing Impairment: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature / Meningococcemia sem Meningite Complicada por Purpura Fulminante e Deficiência Auditiva: Um Relato de Caso Raro e Revisão de Literatura

Abstract

Considered a rare disorder, meningococcemia without meningitis can affect previously healthy individuals and cause serious clinical impact. We describe a case of a 24 years-old previously health male patient with life-threatening meningococcemia presented as flu-like symptoms without meningeal irritation signs that was complicated by septic shock , purpura fulminans  and sensorineural hearing impairment..The diagnosis was confirmed by gram-staining films from petechial lesions, skin biopsy and blood cultures that returned positive for gram-negative diplococci, later identified as N. meningitidis serogroup C. Due to its potential irreversible consequences, an early recognition and adequate treatment is fundamental.Vaccination is the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions to prevent the disease