Inquest into the Death of dawkins

17y · Female·Acute Lymphocytic Meningitis and Focal Myocarditis

Amy Lee Dawkins, 17, presented twice to Rockingham General Hospital ED within two weeks with severe headaches, myalgias, and vomiting. On 28 December 2008, she was discharged with a diagnosis of viral upper respiratory tract infection after symptomatic treatment. She re-presented on 7 January 2009 with worsening symptoms suggestive of meningitis. A lumbar puncture was performed, with CSF analysis consistent with viral meningitis. She was admitted overnight and discharged on 9 January 2009 on oral analgesia with instructions to follow up with her GP. On 10 January 2009, she suffered a cardiac arrest at home and was transferred to ICU where she died. Post-mortem revealed acute lymphocytic viral meningitis with concurrent focal myocarditis, an unusual combination that proved fatal. The coroner found the clinical diagnosis and management appropriate at each stage, but noted clinicians should document decision-making processes carefully and consider delayed discharge when serious symptoms like severe pain persist, as concurrent inflammatory processes may develop.