Austrian's syndrome: The first described case of pneumococcal meningitis pneumonia and endocarditis in an injecting drug user.
We describe the first reported case of Austrian's syndrome in an injecting drug user (IDU). The triad of endocarditis, meningitis and pneumonia caused by invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is most commonly associated with excess alcohol. Injecting drug use is a recognised risk factor for IPD, whose prevalence and resistance continue to rise. We propose that injecting drug use is associated with Austrian's syndrome and that it should at least be considered in 'at risk' groups presenting with IPD. Furthermore, IDU presenting with IPD, meningitis and pneumonia should be considered for echocardiography.
Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Tropical and Infectious Diseases Unit, Prescot Street, L7 8XP, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Mike B J
MB
Beadsworth
Dan
D
Wooton
Adrian
A
Chenzbraun
Nick J
NJ
Beeching