A case of subacute meningitis caused by Brucella mellitensis is described. The meningitis was refractory to an antibiotic regime. Diagnosis was established by raised antibody titres to Brucella in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positive bone marrow and blood cultures. While treatment with tetracycline trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and streptomycin resulted in a dramatic clinical cure, the CSF findings returned only gradually to normal values over the ensuing 6 months.

We report a case of Acute Intermittent Porphyria which presented with acute abdominal distress, autonomic dysfunction and laboratory abnormalities. The treatment is discussed with special emphasis on the effect of large doses of Propranolol.