A case of recurrent bacterial meningitis due to pericoronitis of a wisdom tooth

Abstract

  Oral bacteria may cause other infections including aspiration pneumonitis and infective endocarditis as well as tooth caries and periodontal disease. We report a case of recurrent bacterial meningitis due to pericoronitis of the wisdom tooth. A 16-year-old boy diagnosed with bacterial meningitis was referred to our hospital because neoplastic disease was suspected. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging both showed bone destruction mainly of the fossa pterygopalatina. Tissue biopsy using a navigation system revealed no malignant findings. Bacterial meningitis due to a G group streptococcus recurred during follow-up. The relationship between the wisdom tooth and recurrent bacterial meningitis was pointed out at a multidisciplinary conference. The wisdom tooth with pericoronitis was extracted. C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased and meningitis has not recurred since tooth extraction.