Angiography in the Acute and Post-Treatment Phases of Hemophilus influenzae Meningitis

Angiographic changes in purulent meningitis include arterial narrowing, occlusion, retrograde flow and slowing of circulation. Follow-up angiograms in 2 of 3 cases showed complete resolution of the arterial changes, but severe sequelae in the affected hemisphere resulted in persisting neurological deficits. The likely explanation of the arterial changes is inflammation of vessel walls. Spasm may be another factor. Slowing of circulation is partly due to arterial narrowing and partly to hydrocephalus, with increased intracranial pressure.