An unusual complication of an open-head injury: coccidioidal meningitis.

A case of coccidioidal meningitis following an open-head injury is presented. A 6-year-old boy was ejected from a motor vehicle as it was driven over a cliff, resulting in a severe open-skull fracture with grossly contaminated wounds. The accident occurred in an area in which coccidioidomycosis is endemic, and the causative agent, Coccidioides immitis, is found in high concentration in the soil. In addition to fracture reduction, the child received a course of intrathecal and intravenous amphotericin and achieved a satisfactory clinical response.