Austrian syndrome: The deadly triad

Austrian syndrome is a rare triad of endocarditis, meningitis, and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumonia described by Robert Austrian in 1956 [1]. The incidence has reduced since the introduction of beta-lactam therapy in the early 1940s [2,3]. Additionally, the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccination in 1977 further decreased the incidence of infection [4]. Streptococcal endocarditis could potentially be very aggressive and life threatening despite appropriate therapy. It has a high mortality rate nearing 30 % even after proper antibiotics and surgical intervention [5]. Therefore, an early recognition is crucial for early intervention and mortality reduction. We present a patient with Austrian syndrome who had a poor outcome despite proper management that is attributed to late presentation and delayed treatment.