Meningococcal Abscess Detected by MRI

MRI identifies rare intracranial complication following normal computed tomography

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An 11-year-old boy with meningococcal meningitis developed a cerebellar abscess detectable only by MRI, despite normal CT findings.
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Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated white blood cells and confirmed Neisseria meningitidis as the causative agent.
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The patient's clinical condition improved with antimicrobial therapy, leading to extubation and transfer out of intensive care by day 5.
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MRI demonstrated the evolution of the cerebellar abscess, which resolved without surgical intervention, guided by multidisciplinary consensus.
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The case highlights the diagnostic superiority of MRI over CT in detecting early parenchymal infections in atypical meningitis presentations.

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