What is Austrian’s Triad?

Austrian triad

The Austrian triad is named after Robert Austrian who initially identified and described it and noted the high level of mortality associated with the condition (also known as Austrian’s Syndrome) in which patients regularly die regardless of aggressive treatment with IV antibiotics. 

The Triad of Austrian’s Syndrome includes:

1. Pneumococcal pneumonia

2. Meningitis

3. Endocarditis (classically aortic valve endocarditis associated with aortic regurgitation)

What causes Austrian’s Triad?

Although the specific causes of Austrian’s Syndrom or Austrian Triad are not well known or understood, it has been identified that patients who suffer with Alcoholism or IV Drug Use are more likely to develop the disorder.

What is the clinical significance of Austrian’s Triad?

The clincial significance of Austrian’s Triad is that the medical practitioner/clinician must be warry when he or she identifies a patient who meets the triad of clinical signs and symptoms ( Pneumococcal pneumonia, Minigitis and Endocarditis) due to the high rates of mortality and consider early surgical interventions and aggressive IV antibiotics interventions.

Want to learn about another medical triad? Try looking at my Virchow’s Triad?