Austrian syndrome, a rare triad: case report

Manuela Dugand-Angel, Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine Group, Clínica Somer, Rionegro; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín; Colombia
Jhojan S. Herrera-Vargas, Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine Group, Clínica Somer, Rionegro; Centro Cardiovascular Somer Incare, Rionegro; Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Medellín. Colombia
Cristian J. Gómez-Vega, Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine Group, Clínica Somer, Rionegro, Colombia

Austrian Syndrome is a rare but highly lethal clinical entity characterized by the triad of pneumonia, endocarditis, and meningitis, all caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This report presents the case of a 45-year-old woman with a history of chronic steroid use, alcohol consumption, and psychoactive substance abuse, who was admitted to the intensive care unit following an episode of acute neurological deficit and seizures. Central nervous system infection was confirmed through lumbar puncture, and during hospitalization, additional pulmonary and cardiac infectious foci were identified, with isolation of penicillin-sensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae in all cultures. The patient experienced a rapidly deteriorating clinical course, developing moderate to severe encephalopathy, and died on the eighth day of hospitalization. This case report highlights the importance of early recognition of this condition in clinical practice, as timely treatment may positively influence prognosis. The patient’s unfavorable outcome underscores the need for prompt identification of risk factors and predisposing comorbidities, in order to strengthen clinical intervention strategies and improve outcomes in future cases.

Keywords: Streptococcus pneumoniae. Meningitis. Endocarditis. Pneumonia.