Austrian Syndrome (Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Meningitis, and Endocarditis): A Case Report

This report describes a case of Austrian syndrome (pneumonia, meningitis, and endocarditis, as a result of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection). A computerized medline search was performed for review of literature. In the review of literature, 54 cases including our case were found. Complete clinical and microbiological information was available only for 20 cases. Most invasive pneumococcal infections occurred in debilitated middle aged men with chronic alcoholism. Native aortic valve insufficiency was the commonest cause of cardiac failure among these patients, requiring valve replacement. Austrian syndrome is seen infrequently in this antibiotic era but is still associated with a poor outcome. Hence early recognition and appropriate medical or combined medical-surgical treatment needs to be considered promptly.