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Case Reports
. 2019 May;24(2):122-124.
doi: 10.1093/pch/pxy085. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

Acute encephalopathy associated with influenza infection: Case report and review of the literature

Asma Albaker  1 , Christian Soder  2 , Karina A Top  3   4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Acute encephalopathy associated with influenza infection: Case report and review of the literature

Asma Albaker et al. Paediatr Child Health. 2019 May.

Abstract

Influenza has been associated with neurological complications. We describe the case of a toddler who presented with symptoms and signs of acute encephalopathy and hydrocephalus. Neuroimaging demonstrated cerebral edema and multifocal diffusion restriction in the thalamus and splenium of the corpus callosum. Influenza A was detected from the nasopharyngeal aspirate. The final diagnosis was acute influenza-associated encephalopathy. Despite treatment with a neuraminidase inhibitor and intravenous immune globulin, the toddler developed neurological sequelae. This case highlights a rare but severe complication of influenza in young children and the importance of influenza vaccination.

Keywords: Encephalitis; Encephalopathy; Influenza.

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References

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