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Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) Presenting as Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in a Child
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) Presenting as Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in a Child

Jatinder Goraya, Harold Marks, Divya Khurana, Agustin Legido and Joseph Melvin
Journal of child neurology, v 24(7), pp 899-903
01 Jul 2009
PMID: 19204320

Abstract

Clinical Neurology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Neurosciences & Neurology Pediatrics Science & Technology
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) typically presents with progressive mental deterioration, behavioral changes, and myoclonic jerks. Atypical presentations are not unknown and may result in diagnostic delays. A 9-year-old girl presented with poor balance and ataxia following an episode of upper respiratory tract infection. Neurological examination revealed mild hemiparesis and ataxia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed scattered areas of T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensities in the white matter consistent with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Despite treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasmapheresis, progressive neurological worsening Occurred. Later during the Course of her illness, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis was suspected from the appearance of burst-suppression pattern on electroencephalogram, and the diagnosis confirmed by elevated titers of measles antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid. Physicians taking care of children need to be aware of atypical presentations of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and must have a high index Of Suspicion to prevent diagnostic delays and avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

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Web of Science research areas
Clinical Neurology
Pediatrics
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