[Fulminant meningococcemia with intracranial hypertension. External lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid].

An 18-year old girl developed acute fulminating meningococcaemia with meningitis, coma, shock, coagulation disorders and extensive purpura. Measurement of intracranial pressure showed severe intracranial hypertension. After medical treatment of shock and intracranial hypertension had failed, external drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid was performed in the lumbar region, using a 16 G silicone catheter.