Endocarditis and meningitis associated to nape piercing in a young female: a case report

Abstract

Body piercing is a social phenomenon on the rise especially among young people. This procedure may be complicated by serious bacterial and viral infections. We report a case of Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis and meningitis arising from the site of a nape piercing, after its removal. A 21-year-old Italian female was admitted to hospital with neurological impairment and sepsis. A diagnosis of endocarditis associated with meningitis by S. aureus, complicated by septic emboli in the brain, retina, skin and kidney, was formulated on the basis of modified Duke's criteria. The likely port-of-entry was the site of a nape piercing, removed two months before. In view of the widespread practice of body piercing, provision of correct and timely information concerning the associated serious risks is now imperative. Such information should emphasise the option for antibiotic prophylaxis, and the importance of careful local hygiene, even after piercing removal.